West End Musicals Featured on Children in Need

The show is on Friday 20th November and is again presented by Terry Wogan with the help of Alesha Dixon and Tess Daly. It’s a marathon production lasting last seven hours and featuring some of the best theatrical, musical, TV personalities and acts.

Some of the highlights include:

•    Live performances from top singers and bands; Pixie Lott, Taylor Swift, Alesha Dixon, Spandau Ballet, Madness, Harry Connick Jr, Sugababes, Stereophonics, Little Boots, Paolo Nutini, Nolan Sisters, Westlife, Alison Moyet and Annie Lennox.
•    The cast of EastEnders perform musical extravaganza from Albert Square.
•    The cast of The Bill, performing a Rat Pack classic.
•    Hollyoaks treat fans to a medley of Queen’s greatest hits.
•    Stars of the West End will be live in the studio, including Jason Donovan with the cast of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert.
•    Around The World In 80 Days partners, John Barrowman and Myleene Klass, duet live in the studio.

Great Pretenders Musical

Is on at Upstairs in the Gatehouse in Highgate Village from 23rd October-15th November.

Several tribute acts assemble in a dressing room of a West End theatre to audition for a starring role in a big budget tribute show ‘Send in the Clones’ transferring to London from Las Vegas.

As the acts prepare for their big moment pretensions in their own lives begin to surface.

Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon and Elvis Presley are just three of the look-a-likes in this new musical comedy by Neil Harrison (Bootleg Beatles) and Simon Jermond (Reduced Shakespeare Company).

Get “In the Christmas Mood” with Shona Lindsay & Glyn Kerslake

Shona Lindsay and Glyn Kerslake met whilst playing Christine and The Phantom in the London production of "The Phantom of the Opera".

This Christmas they are reuniting to present an evening of original Yuletide classics and a selection of popular songs.  They are appearing at Pizza on the Park in Knightsbridge on Tuesday 22nd December.  The door time is 19:00 and the cabaret is due to start at 22:30.

John & Edward to attempt We Will Rock You on X Factor

Freddie Mercury will turn in his grave – those terrible X Factor twins John and Edward are to attempt the Queen anthem on tomorrow night's show which has the theme of Rock Week.

They were spotted going over the lyrics for We Will Rock You as they were driven to rehearsals in London – but it’s an odds on cert that their rendition will be nothing like the original!

Christmas in New York Concert

Christmas in New York is the West End’s annual celebration of classic carols and seasonal showstoppers.  This year it will be held at the Prince of Wales Theatre on 6th Decemcember at 19:30.

This is its fourth year and it is and better than even before. West End musical artistes appeating include Julie Atherton and Daniel Boys from Avenue Q, Oliver Tompsett and Ashleigh Gray frm Wicked!, Paul Spicer, Hannah Waddingham (Hairspray) and Leanne Jones (Evita).

For an extra special evening there VIP seats which include a complimentary programme, mince pie and a glass of wine during the interval as well as access to a post-show champagne reception in the Delfont Room with the cast.

Christmas at the Musicals Concerts

West End International are presenting Christmas at the Musicals – The Best of the West End,  on Sunday 13th December at the Royal Concert Hall Glasgow – performances at 15:00 & 19:30, and the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham on Thursday 17th December at 19:00.

The evening will star four leading West End soloists, Annalene Beechey (Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, Cosette in Les Misérables, Glinda in Wicked), Jacqui Scott (title role in Evita, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Grizabella in Cats), Michael Xavier (Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, Sir Galahad in Spamalot, Sky in Mamma Mia!) and Simon Bowman (Chris in Miss Saigon, Raoul and The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera, Marius and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables)

The concert programme will feature hits from musicals past and present with a seasonal extra to put you in the Christmas spirit!

Phantom of the Opera Cast Changes

David Shannon will be donning the mask of the Phantom when he takes over the lead in Phantom of the Opera from Ramin Karimloo on Monday, 9th November. As you have probably heard, Ramin is leaving to start rehearsals for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical sequel to the Phantom, Love Never Dies.

David has previously played the role of Raoul at Her Majesty’s Theatre and his last West End performance was as Valjean in Les Miserables which he finished playing earlier this month.

Griff Rhys Jones to Play Fagin in Oliver!

Comedy appears to be a key factor when casting the role of Fagin in Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.  Rowan Atkinson was cast in the lead role when the show first opened earlier this year, followed by current Fagin - Iranian comedian Omid Djalili. The producers have announced that Griff Rhys Jones has now landed the part of Dickens’ greatest villain.

Griff has won Laurence Olivier best comedy awards for his performances in Charley’s Aunt and An Absolute Turkey and has enjoyed great success on stage and television.

He will be performing as Fagin from 14th December 2009 until June 2010.

Les Mis International Tour

Rehearsals for the new touring production of Les Miserables began in London earlier this week.  This international tour will celebrate the 25th anniversary of this show which has become one of the most popular musicals ever written.

The touring cast will be led by Gareth Gates (Marius), John Owen Jones (Jean Valjean), Earl Carpenter (Javert) and Madalena Alberto (Fantine) with the tour kicking off on 11th December at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre, moving on to the Palace theatre Manchester, Theatre Royal Norwich, Birmingham Hippodrome and Edinburgh Playhouse before crossing the Channel to Paris Chatelet where it will run from 26th May to 4th July 2010.

This new production of Les Miserables is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell. It has a new spectacular set design created by Matt Kinley.

Les Miserables can also be seen in London’s West End at the Queen’s Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue where it is booking to February 2011.

Panto Dream Team?

In a British poll recently conducted by MSN the following celebrities were nominated as perfect casting for a traditional British panto:

Cheryl Cole won 35% of the vote to play Snow White beating Susan Boyle, Myleene Klass, Alesha Dixon, Kym Marsh, Dannii Minogue, Katie Price and Victoria Beckham for the part

Peter Andre had a 36% vote to play her Prince Charming ahead of Orlando Bloom, David Beckham, Robert Pattinson, Ricky Whittle, Piers Morgan, Ray Quinn and his ex Katie Price's new boyfriend Alex Reid - who only received 1%

Simon Cowell was the favourite to star as a panto villain with 43% of the vote beating off opposition including Gordon Ramsay, Jack Nicholson, Gordon Brown, Ray Winstone, Lord Alan Sugar, David Hasselhoff, Duncan Bannatyne and Sir Ian McKellen.

Victoria Beckham was voted as the best Wicked Witch …

No surprises there then and all a bit predictable. The only problem is there’s not a panto producer in the land who could afford to pay the salary bill for this lot!

London Theatres Raising Money for World AIDS Day

Theatres across London’s West End will be participating in TheatreMAD’s World AIDS Day Theatre Bucket Collections between 23rd November and 6th December.

The campaign is run by the Make A Difference Trust and is fronted this year by Patrick Stewart.  They aim to raise money to help people living with HIV/AIDS and entertainment professionals living with long-term medical conditions.  They will also be holding a seasonal fundraising show entitled A West End Christmas at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden on Sunday 6th December.

Last year almost 200 theatres across the UK participated in the bucket collections and raised around £100,000.

Tom Cruise’s “Cocktail” to be made into musical

The Tom Cruise movie Cocktail is being turned into a Broadway musical to mark its 20th anniversary. The film's creator Heywood Gould has hinted that he wants Cruise's wife Katie Holmes to replace Elizabeth Shue as the love interest in the storyline.

He told the New York Post: "I’m writing it as we speak. Marty Richards is on board and he's working on the score. It's far too early to talk about casting and we haven't approached anybody yet, but yes, I like Katie Holmes."

The 1998 film was a box office success but it saw Cruise nominated for a Worst Actor Razzie award.

Brendan Cole's Dirty Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole reveals his ultimate pulling technique was to take his lady friends to see Dirty Dancing  and after watching the sexy, romantic movie would come out with the killer line “Oh did I mention that I am a professional dancer”.

The Strictly Come Dancing star and self-confessed "bad boy of ballroom" was voted off the show last weekend with partner Jo Wood .

We Will Rock you Extends Booking Period

The Queen musical "We Will Rock You" has increased its booking period by seven months with tickets now on sale at the Dominion theatre to 23rd October,  2010.

We Will Rock You opened at the Dominion in May 2002 and has been seen by over 4.5 million people in London.  There is also a tour of We Will Rock You in the UK which runs until 31st January next year.

Ruthie Henshall to star in The Sound of Musicals Tour

Ruthie Henshall will be appearing as the special guest star in the Sound of Musicals tour. The show will feature Ruthie and soloists including Deborah Myers, Tim Howar and James Graeme singing showstoppers from the greatest Broadway and West End musicals including Chicago, Kiss me Kate, Mamma Mia, My Fair Lady, High Society, Les Miserables, Crazy for You, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, The Sound of Music and The Phantom of the Opera.

The dates and venues for the tour are:
Manchester Bridgewater Hall     Monday 28th December at 19:30   
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall   Tuesday 29th December at 19:30
www.glasgowconcerthalls.co.uk
Birmingham Symphony Hall  Wednesday 30th December at 19:30
www.thsh.co.uk
London Barbican  Saturday 2nd January at 15:00
www.barbican.org.co.uk

Why is Pammy doing Panto?

If you were wondering why Ms Anderson is appearing from a lamp in Aladdin this Christmas then wonder no more as she is millions of dollars in debt following renovations to her home in Malibu which is not yet finished.

At the moment she is living in a trailer park with her boyfriend while being sued by a number of construction companies over unpaid bills. Pammy is blaming the recession and some poor investments adding "I'm a little girl with two kids - how could you screw me?"

Apparently she cries every time she visits the house sad says: "I'm going to sell it. I hate it. People commit suicide over constructions. Relationships break down over constructions and I can see why. It rips your heart out."

Maybe she should cut down a bit – after all is gold and platinum tiling really necessary?

She has a number of money raising projects in the UK including a show called  Pamela Anderson : At Home with Joe, the Christmas panto Aladdin and also a reality show is in the pipeline.

La Cage Aux Folles UK Tour Cancelled

The La Cage Aux Folles tour of the UK has been cancelled due to a lack of "suitable stars."  The tour of the Menier Chocolate Factory's production was scheduled to start in February 2010.

La Cage Aux Folles is currently playing in London’s West End's at the Playhouse Theatre.  It currently stars John Barrowman, but Douglas Hodge is due to return for a limited season at the end of November to reprise the role he created at the Menier.

Keira Knightley to star in new film of My Fair Lady

Keira Knightley has beaten Scarlett Johansson to land the part of the Cockney flower seller Eliza Doolittle in a new film adaptation of My Fair Lady. The 24-year-old actress will star in the film which is being directed by Joe Wright.  This is the role played by Audrey Hepburn in the 1964 film.

Sir Cameron Mackintosh, who is producing the film with Duncan Kenworthy, has been playing his casting cards to his chest and would only say “I have two actresses as potential Elizas - one British, the other American. You would know their names, but I’m not letting on”.  But it now seems that Keira has won the part.

Emma Thompson is writing the film’s script and rumour has it that Daniel Craig is being approached to play Professor Henry Higgins (originally played by Rex Harrison).

Mamma Mia! Children in Need Gala

Become a Super Trouper and buy tickets for the Mamma Mia! BBC London 94.9FM's special gala performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Wednesday November 18th at 19:30.

BBC London's 94.9FM Breakfast show presenters Paul Ross and JoAnne Good, plus Vanessa Feltz and Danny Baker will be introducing this fun-packed gala performance. All of the money raised will go towards helping disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

Tickets for the performance on Wednesday November 18 are priced from £19.50 - £58.00, and premium packages (the best seats in the house) are available for £73.50. Tickets can be purchased from the Prince of Wales Theatre box office and online.

Jordan and Cage Fighter in Competition with La Cage Aux Folles

Katie Price (aka Jordan) was signing books in Selfridge yesterday, and just for a change posed for some photos with her boyfriend Alex Reid (plus her dressage coach Andrew Gould, her brother Daniel Price and best friend Phil Turner). Nothing new in that I know - but this time they were all dressed in drag and wearing full make up.

Not a pretty sight as you can see from the photo on the left!

They then went to the popular gay haunt Balans in Soho still wearing full slap but had at least changed into something more comfortable.

Some would say they needn’t have bothered as they then headed for Playhouse Theatre to watch the stage production La Cage Aux Folles where their dresses would have gone down a treat!

Peter Kay to Host Royal Variety Show

The comedian Peter Kay will host this year’s Royal Variety Show and will be joined by Hollywood legends Bette Midler and Whoopi Goldberg, plus the cast of the West End show Sister Act. Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity will also perform.

The Queen will attend the variety show which will be held in Blackpool for the first time since 1955.It will take place on 7th December and be shown on ITV later in the month.

Cat in the Hat Moves from Cottesloe to Young Vic

Dr Seuss's popular children's story The Cat in the Hat will transfer to the Young Vic for six weeks following its already nearly sold-out premiere season at the National’s Cottesloe Theatre this Christmas.

The transfer is one of the highlights in the Young Vic’s newly announced spring 2010 season.

Lee Mead to Swap Technicolor Dreamcoat for Oscar Wilde tour

Lee Mead, who won the BBC1 reality TV contest "Any Dream Will Do" to play the lead role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, is to make his acting debut in Bill Kenwright's new national touring production of Oscar Wilde’s short story, Lord Arthur Savile's Crime.

He is joined by Gary Wilmot who is another musical theatre star most recently seen as Billy Flynn in the national tour of Chicago, and whose West End credits include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Copacabana and Me and My Girl.

Performances start at the Theatre Royal Windsor from 11th-16th January next year.It then tours to the Lyceum Theatre Sheffield, Cheltenham Everyman, Richmond Theatre, King's Theatre Edinburgh, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Malvern Festival Theatre, Leeds Grand, Connaught Worthing and Bath Theatre Royal - with further dates to be announced.

Petey the Yorkshire Terrier is Wicked!

We mere mortals have to settle for the Oscars, but the latest red carpet affair to be seen at is definitely the 5th Annual Times Square Dog Day Masquerade which took place last Sunday. It’s a free contest open to all-comers which was held on the newly-opened Broadway Plaza between 43rd and 44th Streets .

Glamorous canine contenders strutted their stuff on the catwalk and were projected on to a giant screen for all to see. Top prizes are awarded to the dogs whose costumes best illustrated Times Square’s past or present - which includes paying tribute to the new crop of Broadway shows. Hence the picture to your left which I could not resist! It shows Petey the Yorkshire terrier as the Witch from the hit show Wicked!

John Barrowman at Dress Circle this week

John Barrowman will be signing copes of his new autobiography “I Am What I Am” at Dress Circle in Monmouth Street, Upper St Martins Lane (near Covent Garden) at 13:00 on Wednesday 21st October.

This is the follow up to John’s bestselling autobiography “Anything Goes” which spent thirteen weeks in the Top Ten in the Spring of 2008. He has written the book with his sister who is a professor of English and a journalist.

John is currently playing the role of Albin in La Cage Aux Folles at the Playhouse until November 28th.

Pamela Anderson does Panto

The former Baywatch actress is making her panto debut as the Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin at London’s New Wimbledon Theatre which plays from 4th December 2009 to 10th January 2010.

Pamela will guest star in the role for two weeks from 13^th-27^th December and is expected to wear a bright sequinned costume and be painted green or blue in true Genie tradition. Paul O'Grady will take on the role during the final week Tuesday 5th until Sunday 10th January 2010. Further casting will be announced soon.

Starring opposite Pamela and Paul in the pantomime will be veteran actor Brian Blessed who will play the evil Abanazar.

More Casting announced for Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies

Andrew Lloyd Webber and director Jack O'Brien have cast Summer Strallen (the Sound of Music) to play the Ooh La La girl in the Phantom sequel Love Never Dies. The Ooh La La girl is the name Mr Y (aka the Phantom) has given to Meg Giry who was the young ballet student in Phantom of the Opera.

Summer sang on the show's concept album and her character's story is very dramatic, but we will have to wait until previews begin at the Adelphi on February 20th to discover what fate awaits her at Phantasma.

Miss Strallen will play opposite Sierra Boggess as Christine and Ramin Karimloo, playing the Phantom.

Liz Robertson will play Meg's mother Madame Giry and Joseph Millson has the role of Christine's husband Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny.

Love Never Dies could open to the biggest box office advance in West End history as already some £4.7 million worth of tickets have been sold in a week.

Les Miserables – the Movie!

The musical Les Miserables is now in its 25th year in London’s West End. Its producer Cameron Mackintosh, has joined forces with the London-based film studio Working Title to bring the show to the big screen. It is still very early days, but rumour has it that Cameron and Eric Fellner (who runs WT with Tim Bevan) are committed to making the picture together.

This is in part due to the fact that ticket sales soared when Susan Boyle sang the “I Dreamed A Dream” on Britain's Got Talent.It was viewed 85 million times on YouTube and studio chiefs became even more convinced of the public's affection for the show .

The Les Mis movie will not go into production before 2011 or early 2012 because WT have other projects to complete first and Cameron is busy with a string of stage shows, plus a new big-screen version of My Fair Lady (looking for a director after the departure of Oscar-winner Danny Boyle

Cameron has said there are endless casting possibilities for all the roles, but it's too early to discuss specific roles or actors.

The touring production of Les Miserables kicks off at the Millennium Centre, Cardiff on December 12th with John Owen-Jones as Valjean and Gareth Gates as Marius. It will visit Manchester, Norwich, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Paris. Most of the shows are sold out already.

The show continues at the Queen's Theatre in London where it will have its 25th anniversary celebrations next year.

Simon Bowman James Bond Concert at Royal Albert Hall

Simon Bowman (of Miss Saigon fame) can currently be seen as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre.

He is also appearing in a concert at Royal Albert Hall on Friday 13^th November at 19.30 when the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra presents James Bond Theme Songs.The orchestra is being conducted by Carl Davis and Honor Blackman (who played Pussy Galore in the film Goldfinger)is the guest presenter.

You can hear Simon sing songs from the best of Bond movies including the classics Goldfinger, Licence to Kill, Dr No, Diamonds are Forever, Live and Let Die and From Russia with Love.

Mel C about to open in Blood Brothers

The Spice Girls’ Melanie C is about opening in Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre on 26th October.

She is playing the role of Mrs Johnstone following in the illustrious footsteps of Barbara Dickson, Kiki Dee, Helen Reddy, Carole King and Petula Clarke who have appeared in the show on both sides of the Atlantic.

Melanie is Liverpool born so is ideal for the part in Willy Russell's West End smash hit which now one of the longest running musicals celebrating its 21st birthday this year.

Mel C is in Blood Brothers for six months and has dismissed talk of another Spice Girls reunion with Emma Bunton doing her radio show, Victoria Beckham doing her fashion line and Geri Halliwell always busy.

Phill Jupitus, Belinda Carlisle & Sharon D Clarke join the cast of Hairspray

The producers of "Hairspray" have announced that Phill Jupitus, Belinda Carlisle and Sharon D Clarke have signed to join the cast of the musical which is currently running at London's Shaftesbury Theatre. The new cast changes on Monday 26 October, with Sunday performances beginning on Sunday 8th November.

Phill is taking over from Brian Conley (who is leaving for panto) as the larger than life heroine Edna Turnblad. Belinda plays Velma Von Tussle who is a glamorous the controller of the local TV station and is Motormouth Mabel - celebrity DJ and owner of Baltimore's biggest set of lungs!

The performance schedule for Hairspray changes next month and starting from Sunday 8th November the show will run from Tuesday to Saturday at 19:30 with matinees on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at15:00.

Mark Owen from Take That writes finale song for Rise and Fall of Little Voice

Producers of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice currently previewing at the Vaudeville have revealed that a new finale song has been written by Take That singer Mark Owen.

The number called Sunlight is performed by former X-Factor finalist Diana Vickers who plays the lead of LV in the show.

The creator of the show, Jim Cartwright, said: “It had always been my intention to write an original song for the end of my play, when Little Voice finally sings in her own voice. However, when we first premiered it at the National Theatre in 1992 we ran out of time and a Judy Garland song was used. When I first heard Diana singing Sunlight, I was just thrilled. It was exactly what I wanted.”

Noel Sullivan from Hear’say to Make West End Debut in Grease

Noel Sullivan, best known for his part in the ill fated pop band Hear'say (which was formed through "Popstars"),  will make his West End debut as Danny Zuko in Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre from 30th November.

He will take over the role from Ray Quinn (of X Factor and Dancing on Ice fame) who is leaving to appear in panto. Ray’s last performance will be on 28th November.

In the cast change Noel is joined by Emma Stephens (whose previous credits include Starlight Express and Saturday Night Fever) as Sandy, with Stuart Ramsay as Kenickie, Natalie Langston as Rizzo, Michael Melmoe as Roger, Laura Wilson as Jan, Benjamin Ibbott as Doody, Faye Brookes as Frenchy, Bennett Andrews as Sonny, Robyn Mellor as Marty, Jamie Tyler as Eugene, Lizzi Franklin as Patty, Jason Capewell as Vince/Teen Angel, Marie Daly as Miss Lynch and Kristina Macmillan as Cha Cha.

Thriler Live Booking Period Extended

"Thriller Live" which features the songs of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 has extended its booking period at the Lyric Theatre by five months to Sunday 9th May 2010.

The show was originally conceived and created by Adrian Grant and is directed and choreographed by Gary Lloyd, with additional choreography by LaVelle Smith Jr and Kerys Nathan.

Lion King’s 10th Anniversary Gala Performance

Since it opened in London 10 years ago Disney’s West End musical The Lion King has taken £289 million at the box office with an average audience capacity of 93%.

The production has now been seen by more than 8 million people taking an average of £500,000 at the box office every week.

The Lion King will host a special tenth anniversary gala performance on October 18th at the Lyceum Theatre that will see a gathering of former cast members, the show's award-winning creative team as well as a number of celebrities and friends.

Susan Boyle’s I Dreamed a Dream Album

The cover artwork for Susan Boyle’s (aka the Hairy Angel) I Dreamed A Dream album which is released in the UK on November 23rd was unveiled yesterday.  You will recognise the title as one of the main numbers from Les Miserables, which is the song she first sung on Britain’s Got Talent”.

In the photo on the cover Susan is almost unrecognisable. She is already topping the charts on both sides of the Atlantic on pre-orders, with her advance sales outstripping those for the Beatles.

John Barrowman & Michael Feinstein at London Palladium

John Barrowman, who is currently starring in the West End revival of La Cage aux Folles, will be Michael Feinstein's special guest performer when he makes his debut at the London Palladium on Sunday 1st November.

Feinstein will be accompanied by a 17 piece Big Band to perform songs by Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Sammy Cahn. The four-time Grammy nominee and Broadway performer is considered one of the best interpreters of Gershwin’s music and the Great American Songbook. He is co-owner of Feinstein's at the Loews Regency nightclub in New York where he regularly appears.

The late Rosemary Clooney also performed there and it is in tribute to her that he is performing at the London Palladium. I saw him perform with Miss Clooney at Sadler’s Wells a few years ago and she really was like a second mother to him as he was growing up as they were literally next door neighbours.

Rosemary Clooney sang at the Palladium with Bing Crosby in 1977 and was given a plaque which she passed onto Michael, and he has always wanted to play there in memory of her.

Feinstein will return to Broadway in February next year with All About Me. John Barrowman is due to will be appear in Robin Hood: The Pantomime Adventure at the New Theatre from December 12th-January 24th

Part of the proceeds from the show will go towards the New End Theatre in Hampstead in its 35th anniversary year.To book tickets for the London Palladium contact the box office at 0870 0332733 or 0844 412 4650.

John Barrowman to go “Around the World in 80 days” for Children in Need

Lee Mack and Frank Skinner will lead a celebrity race around the world in 80 days as part of a charity-led challenge to retrace the journey taken by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's book. They have to complete the journey in time for Children in Need on 20^th November.

They will be the first of a group of stars including John Barrowman and Myleene Klass who will attempt the worldwide relay. Each celebrity team will be raising money for Children in Need through sponsorship and by picking up articles on their travels to auction off when they get home.

Lee Mack and Frank Skinner travel the first leg from the Reform Club in London to the Turkey/Iraq border in just eight days. Then pairs of celebrities will each undertake a leg of the trip, travelling by any means possible (except plane) to reach their destination in the allotted time. (Frank and Lee travelled by train, turbo-boat, horse and bullet-proof car provided by Serbian royalty.

They will then meet the next pair and hand over the “baton” which is a carpet bag containing 21st century requirements for the journey: including a GPS phone and satellite tracker.

Andrew Lloyd Webber rules out any more televised talent shows in 2009

Andrew Lloyd Webber will not be doing any more BBC1 West End talent searches this year, but is hoping to return in 2010 to find a Dorothy (and possibly Toto the dog) to star in his production of The Wizard of Oz, which the Really Useful Group recently acquired the rights to.

It is believed he has put any major plans on hold to concentrate on his  Love Never Dies sequel to Phantom of the Opera which is due to open early next yeat.

Working with Lloyd Webber has proved contentious for the BBC as they have come under fire for allegedly using a chunk of its Saturday night schedule to promote a commercial enterprise.

Michael Ball up for Willy Wonka role?

More news since my previous blog on 6th October -  Sam Mendes is still meant to be working on a stage adaptation of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and rumour has it that Michael Ball has been approached to play the title role following in the footsteps of Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp. Both played the eccentric Wonka in the two film versions of Roald Dahl’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The book for this new musical will be written by Scottish playwright David Greig and Hairspray’s Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It is planned to open in the west end

Lee Mead to appear in Babes in Arms?

Rumour has it that the Rodgers and Hart musical Babes in Arms will star Lee Mead – the Any Dream Will Do winner who turned into the star of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The 1937 Broadway classic is being lined up for a West End revival in the New Year. The rarely seen musical was at Chichester Festival Theatre a couple of years ago starring Judy Garland’s daughter Lorna Luft. The supposed London transfer of this production never materialised.

Babes in Arms is set in the glory days of musical theatre with a group of starry eyed young actors from a Cape Cod playhouse decide to transport their show from a barn to Broadway. Some of the classic musical numbers in the show include “The Lady Is a Tramp”, “My Funny Valentine”, “I Wish I were In Love Again” and “Johnny One Note”.

The original film version was released in 1939 starring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, directed by Busby Berkeley.

Lee Mead has been involved in several productions since leaving from Joseph earlier this year, including a revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, a stage adaptation of the film "Roman Holiday"  and a musical based on the life of Marc Bolan in  20th Century Boy.

Churchill the nodding dog to star in 22 pantos

Pantomime has a long history of hiring TV personalities, but this year the tradition will be stretched to the limit when Churchill, the nodding dog from the insurance adverts, will appear in no less than 22 Christmas shows. The move comes after a recent advert showing Churchill - who has been a commercial mascot for 13 years - winning a fictional role in the West End musical Cats.

He will be paid a fee estimated as "tens of thousands of pounds" to jump out of the genie's lamp in Aladdin, be chased by Jack's giant at the top of the beanstalk and act as a chaperone to Cinderella.

And all this for just uttering the same lines he does in the advert: "oh yes" and "oh no" pre-recorded by the comedian Bob Mortimer. His movements will be performed by a hidden puppeteer.

The deal was has been signed with Qdos entertainment who are presenting Robin Hood starring John Barrowman at Cardiff, Aladdin starring Shane Richie at High Wycombe, Sleeping Beauty with Joe Pasquale and Ray Quinn at the Birmingham Hippodrome and Cinderella with Lesley Joseph at Dartford – all featuring Churchill.

Priscilla Taking a Detour to Broadway

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical will eventually drive its way to Broadway with her arrival scheduled for 6th March 2011. Obviously it is too early for casting details at this time.

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is currently playing to packed houses at the Palace Theatre in London - booking through to May 2010. It has also just started previewing in Canada at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Toronto.

Priscilla is an uplifting and hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus (aka Priscilla) searching for love and friendship and ending up with more than they could have ever dreamed of.The camp musical features a truly dazzling array of outrageous costumes with some real dance-floor classics

Michael Ball to make way for Terry Wogan

Don't worry Terry is not about to take over Michael's concert tour - his Floral Dance recording put an end to that.

After he steps down from his breakfast slot later this year, Terry Wogan is scheduled to front a weekly two-hour Sunday brunch programme featuring live music and guests on Radio 2 as part of a series of changes being made to the station's schedule.

His new programme will be transmitted live from Central London and start at the more civilised time of 11:00. This is the slot currently occupied by Michael Ball who has been offered an alternative time (yet to be agreed)

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice

Is currently previewing and opens at the Vaudeville Theatre on 20^th October (booking to 30th  January, 2010).  It is adapted from the  film “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” which starred Michael Caine and Jane Horrocks – who is currently appearing in Annie Get your Gun and for who Jim Cartwright originally wrote the role.

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is a very black musical comedy about the painfully shy Little Voice (LV) which is played by Diana Vickers (of X Factor fame). She lives in Scarborough with her drunken, overbearing mother and spends all her time in the bedroom listening to her dead father’s old records.

By doing this she learns to sing like some of the greatest divas: including Judy Garland, Edith Piaf and Shirley Bassey. When her mother’s boyfriend (who manages third rate club acts) overhears her singing he pushes her towards the stardom she is so terrified of and unleashes some devastating events.

Hodge and Ross Together Again

Patricia Hodge (who has been appearing in Calendar Girls) and Steve Ross (New York cabaret star) are in town again in a new revue called “PS: We’re Back” at the Pizza On The Park.

The venue is just down from the Lanesborough Hotel on Hyde Park and the show runs for one week from Monday, November 23rd to Sunday November 29th starting at 20:30.

The duo has performed together before with Patricia playing Gertrude Lawrence and Steve playing the piano and accompanying her in the guise of Noel Coward.

The Lion King has extended its booking period

You can now book tickets at the Lyceum Theatre for Disney’s The Lion King up to 29th August, 2010.

The award-winning Broadway musical features songs by Elton John and Tim Rice and has been seen by over seven million theatregoers since it opened in London.

With stunning sets and costumes and some fabulous musical numbers The Lion King tells the story of the young lion prince Simba who is pushed back to second in line to the throne by Scar his evil uncle. Scar plots to kill both Simba and overthrow his father so that he can be king. Simba survives the attack but is led to believe that his father died because of him and flees the kingdom.

Stephen Gateley

Such tragic news over the weekend about Stephen Gately from Boyzone, and so sad that the unscrupulous tabloids are trying to sell more newspapers by using headlines like "Gateley dead after 8 hour drink/drugs fuelled binge".

He was one of the best Josephs I have seen in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and his hit theme tune "I Believe" to the film version of Billy Elliott still brings tears to my eyes.

Stephen Gately also appeared in 2007 on ITV1's reality series Dancing on Ice in 2007 and last message on Twitter was  posted on 6th  October:  "Still busy - lots going on. Focussing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here."

It is Hispanity Day all over Spain today which means it's a public holiday and there can be no autopsy until tomorrow - let's hope the results show natural causes to shut these pariahs up.

God bless you Stephen...

Jest End back at Jermyn Street for 5 weeks from 17th November

The musical comedy Jest End which provides an insight into the weird and wonderful world of the returns to Jermyn Street Theatre for a limited five-week engagement from Tuesday 17th November to Sunday 20th December.

The show was previously called So Jest End and sold out when it played for the first time at Jermyn Street as well as Leicester Square Theatre and New Players.

It’s the perfect office Christmas party/friends night out show providing a 90 minute whirlwind tongue-in-cheek journey through the West End's current and best-loved musicals including Phantom of the Opera, Sister Act, Jersey Boys, Les Misérables, Wicked, Avenue Q, Oliver!, Hairspray, Priscilla, Billy Elliot and Legally Blonde. The Forbidden Broadway style has regularly updated material parodying the shows you love and  hate.

The show is produced by Garry Lake & Paul Nicholas for Jest End Productions. Jest End is devised and directed by Garry Lake and designed by Howard Lloyd, with musical supervision by Gareth Ellis choreography by Rebecca Howell.

Patrick Swayze’s mourners met by a horse

Mourners at a private memorial for Patrick Swayze last Sunday were greeted by a white Arabian horse which was one of the Dirty Dancing star's personal favourites from his horse farm.  The same horse was present when Patrick and Lisa renewed their marriage vows as the actor rode it to the ceremony.

It was saddled and was carrying Patrick’s cowboy boots facing backward in the stirrups as a tribute to the horse-loving late actor. Apparently it is an old tradition.

Several hundred mourners, including Whoopi Goldberg, arrived at the Sony Studios in California, to celebrate the life of Patrick at a service organised by his wife Lisa Niemi. The ceremony included a video tribute, speeches, photographs of the actor and dance routines.

It is expected that Patrick’s wife will eventually scatter his remains at their New Mexico ranch where they spent so many happy times.

Priscilla has extended its booking period

Priscilla Queen of the Desert has extended its (or should I say her?) booking period to 4th September, 2010.

The cast currently includes Jason Donovan, Tony Sheldon, Oliver Thornton and Clive Carter.

The musical is based on the 1994 movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

It’s a great night out and as camp as Christmas with drag queen Mitzi and friends Felicia and Bernadette making their own personal journeys of discovery as they go perform there show across Australia from Sydney to the outback in a battered old bus called Priscilla.They sing their way through some great old legendary disco numbers.