Open Auditions for Stomp next week

The dance sensation Stomp is holding open auditions at the Ambassadors Theatre in London on Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th July for the West End Company and European Tour.

Directors Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas are looking for male and female performers with good rhythm and a sense of humour. They could be drummers, dancers or anyone who has ever beaten out a rhythm with their fingers on a desk or hit a saucepan with a wooden spoon. No specific experience is necessary - just a willingness to go for it. 

If you are interested then get to the theatre by 10:30 am to register for audition slots which will run throughout each day. Take some heavy boots, clothing suitable for movement, CV and a passport photo.

More information at: www.stomp.co.uk

Rocky Horror Picture Show screening at Apollo Piccadilly Circus

The Apollo Cinema at Piccadilly Circus is hosting late evening screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show throughout July. 

They are projecting a new digital print of the cult film so you can see it in all its glory (and clarity) at 9:30 pm from Friday 1st July-Thursday 21st July (every evening except Wednesdays) 

Tickets from: www.apollocinemas.com / 0871 220 6000
Ticket prices: £13.30, £9.30 concessions.

The Apollo Cinema Piccadilly is situated  on the route of Saturday’s Pride March, near the corner with Jermyn Street.

News on Bridget Jones the Musical

Lily Allen is meant to be writing the numbers for a new Bridget Jones Musical which will be directed Stephen Daldry who directed both the film and stage hit Billy Elliot.

There is currently a workshop taking place on the show with Legally Blonde’s Sheridan Smith playing Bridget and Michael Xavier in the Daniel Cleaver role which Hugh Grant played in the film.

If the workshop production is deemed to be successful then the musical is expected to open in the West End in 2012.

Phantom of the Opera Tour Announced

The Phantom Of The Opera will embark on a UK Tour next year opening at the Theatre Royal  Plymouth on 13th March 2012 where it will run for five weeks.  It will then go on a tour around the country playing at most major venues for 5 weeks at a time.

More news to follow soon.

FREE Magic of the Musicals shows at Canary Wharf

There are two free events featuring The Magic of the Musicals at Canada Park Square in London’s Canary Wharf at 6:30 pm on Mondays 11th July and 1st August.

In association with The Society of London Theatres, Canary Wharf presents excerpts and highlights of some of London’s  top West End shows with stars performing numbers from Chicago, Zoo Nation’s Some Like It Hip Hop, Mamma Mia!, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Million Dollar Quartet and the Rat Pack plus performances from some of London’s best stage schools.

The evenings will be presented by BBC London’s Lisa Vickery.

Marti Pellow breaks his nose during Jekyll & Hyde performance

Marti Pellow is currently on tour playing the title role in the musical Jekyll & Hyde.

He was appearing at Milton Keynes Theatre last night and was approaching the final scene when one of the dancers accidentally hit his nose with her arm which caused it to bleed.   It was thought his nose was broken and the curtain was brought down and an announcement was made saying what had happened and that Pellow was on his way to A & E. Luckily it has since been confirmed that it's a bruised cartilage and not a break.

The show did go on with the understudy doing the final transformation.  Hopefully Marti will feel well enough to appear tonight, although don’t know if or how the transformation will work with his already damaged face.

UPDATE 30th June: Milton Keynes Theatre have announced  that Marti  will be out of action until the weekend at the earliest when the show hits Cardiff.

Lyn Paul to star in Rhinestone Mondays Country Musical

Rhinestone Mondays is a new Country & Western compilation musical comedy which will open at the Mercury Theatre Colchester on 31st August prior to a national tour to Wolverhampton, Edinburgh, Southampton, Cardiff, Belfast, Newcastle, Dartford, Coventry, Dundee, Dublin, Wimbledon and Manchester.

 It will star former Steps members Faye Tozer and Ian 'H' Watkins alongside  Shaun Williamson (Barry from EastEnders and himself in Extras) and Lyn Paul (New Seekers and Mrs Johnston in Blood Brothers) as members of the Warbleswick “Monday Night All Star Line Dancing Club” who fight, feud and fall in and out of love.

Written by Joe Graham and directed by Phil Wilmott, Rhinestone Mondays features a number of country hits by artists Billy Ray Cyrus, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette. Johnny Cash, Roy Rodgers and Glen Campbell including “These Boots Are Made for Walking”, “Crazy”, “Stand by Your Man”, “Ring of Fire”, “Achy Breaky Heart”, “Happy Trails” and “Rhinestone Cowboy”

Hugh Jackman confirms Les Miserables movie role

Hugh Jackman is currently toruing in a one man show and during a telephone interview with Toronto's 98.1 CHFI  he has confirmed he is appearing in the film version of Les Miserables. He said” "I've always loved movie musicals like Singin' in the Rain  so I would love to do one of those one day - and it looks like that's coming true, because I'm going to do Les Miserables the movie musical next year”.

Though specifics haven’t been announced, Jackman had been rumoured to be in talks with the director Tom Hooper for the lead role of Jean Valjean. Jackman knows he'll have a lot to live up to, saying that this is "one I'll need to bring my A-game for."

He would bring a wealth of stage and film experience to whatever role he plays, and having seen him in two musicals (Oklahoma! and The Boy from Oz) he is certainly vocally up to playing Valjean or Javert.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert to close after Christmas?

The musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert is currently playing at the Palace Theatre in London's West End and is currently booking to 7th January, 2012.

The producers made the decision today to inform the London cast and crew of the likelihood that the show would end its three-year run in the West End at the end of 2011. No formal notice has yet been given.

Ramin Karimloo A Night with the Phantom Concert Tour

You can currently see West End leading man  Ramin Karimloo playing the Phantom in Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre until 27th August when the production closes.

He is due to appear in the 25th Anniversary Concert of Phantom of the Opera in October and then embark on a mini  concert tour with Scarlett Strallen  and Olivia Archbold (semi-finalist from Britain’s Got Talent) as his guests.  It  kicks off at the Colston Hall in Bristol on 13th October followed by Manchester Bridgewater Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall.

Some of the songs Ramin will be performing on his A Night with the Phantom concert tour include: Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific), All I Ask of You & The Phantom of the Opera (Phantom Of The Opera), Last Night of the World & Why God? (Miss Saigon), Do You Hear The People Sing? & Stars (Les Miserables), Moon River (Breakfast At Tiffany's) and Too Much in Love to Care from Sunset Boulevard.

Buy tickets for A Night with the Phantom

Casting for tour of Sister Act

Sister Act had a very successful run at the London Palladium in London’s West End recently, is currently appearing on Broadway and is now about to go on tour starting at the Manchester Opera House on 29th September.

Cynthia EriVo will be playing Deloris Van Cartier which is the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in the film and played by Patina Miller in London and on Broadway.

Cynthia has just finished appearing in the Umbrellas of Cherbourg at the Shaftesbury Theatre.  She only graduated from RADA last year and her theatre credits include Ellie Jackson in Simon Stephens's new play Marine Parade (Brighton Festival), Leila in I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky directed by Kerry Michael and Matthew Xia for (Theatre Royal, Stratford East) and Constance in The Three Musketeers and the Princess Of Spain.  She has a successful solo singing career, as a solo artist playing at the O2 Indigo as a supporting act for American Idol winner Fantasia Burrino, and has been nominated for a BEFFTA for Best Female Act 2010.

Julie Atherton will be playing Sister Mary Robert. She is best known for creating the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q, and for playing Cathy in Jason Robert Brown’s The Last 5 Years. Julie has also played Sophie in Mamma Mia! and Serena in Fame.  
 
Most recently she appeared in Ordinary Days with Daniel Boys at the Trafalgar Studios and is due to celebrate the first anniversary of her album No Space for Air with her biggest solo concert yet on Sunday 26th June at the Apollo Theatre.

They will be joined by Denise Black (Coronation Street) as Mother Superior, Michael Starke (TV's Brookside and The Royal and Edna Turnblad in Hairspray) as Monsignor O'Hara, Edward Baruwa as Eddie Souther, Cavin Cornwall as Curtis Jackson, Gavin Alex as Pablo, Jacqueline Clarke as Sister Mary Lazarus, Tyrone Huntley as TJ and Laurie Scarth as Sister Mary Patrick.

Rock of Ages & Josh Groban performing at Proms in the Park

The Proms in the Park take place this year in Hyde Park on Saturday 10th September.  The gates open at 4.00pm and the approximate finish time is 10.45pm.

Sir Terry Wogan will be presenting a host of musical stars including Katherine Jenkins, Russell Watson, Josh Groban and Westlife.

Ken Bruce also introduces a range of artists including The Overtones, Deacon Blue and the cast of the  West End musical Rock of Ages starring Shayne Ward who will be performing at 6:00 pm.

Book tickets for Proms in the Park

Wicked, We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys and Million Dollar Quartet performing at Magic Summer Live

The cast of the West End musical Wicked! are performing at Magic Summer Live in the park of Hatfield House in Hertfordshire on Sunday 17th July from noon to 10:00 pm.  It is easy to get to and just 25 minutes by train from London’s King’s Cross.

Mark Evans who plays Fiyero and witches Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker (Glinda and Elphaba) will be performing along with members of other West End shows including Mamma Mia, Million Dollar Quartet, Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You and Billy Elliott.

There are also a number of star artistes appearing including Elton John and his band, Rumer, Lighthouse Family and girl band Wonderland.

Find out more and book tickets at www.magic.co.uk

Ghost’s charity single with Richard Fleeshman & Caissie Levy released today

The musical Ghost which is due to start previews this week has today released a charity single of "With You" sung by Richard Fleeshman & Caissie Levy as a charity in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.

You can either download or order a copy of With You here.

Shayne Ward at West End Live

Anyone who caught Shayne Ward performing a taster of the forthcoming rock musical Rock of Ages at West End Live in Trafalgar Square yesterday can't fail but be impressed.

Once I had got over the shock of his long blond wig and cowboy hat, realised it was Shayne and started to take in his performance,  I became more and more excited about this show which starts previews at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 31st August.

It has a really strong cast of experienced West End performers and if Shayne as the lead Stacee Jaxx can put in a performance yesterday after only a handful of rehearsals then it could well start to fill the Shaftesbury again.  Shayne will be performing at West End Live again today at 13:35 and 15:35

Casting for Crazy for You at Open Air Theatre

George and Ira Gershwin's musical comedy Crazy for You is the final show in the 2011 season at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre where it runs from 28th July – 10th September.

Casting has just been announced for the production with the roles of Bobby Child and Polly Baker being played by Sean Palmer and Clare Foster. Sean Palmer appeared in the original casts of Saturday Night Fever and Fosse and most recently playing Prince Eric in Disney's The Little Mermaid on Broadway. As well as playing PC Millie Brown in The Bill, Clare Foster has performed in numerous West End productions including Avenue Q, Chicago and We Will Rock You.

Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell in EastEnders) will play Irene Roth and Harriet Thorpe (Mamma Mia and Wicked!) will take the roles of the Mother and Patricia. Michael McKell (corrupt detective Nick Henshall in Emmerdale) takes the role of Lank.

David Burt will play the role of Bela Zangler. His theatre credits include: countless productions at the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and the West End including The Beggar's Opera, Merchant of Venice, Troilus and Cressida, Evita, Cats, Les Miserables, Chess, La Traviata Jesus Christ Superstar and The Woman in White.

Further casting includes: Rachel Stanley (Tess), Alexis Owen Hobbs (Patsy), Samuel Holmes (Eugene), Peter Martin (Everett), Lucy Anderson, Jessica Buckby, Cara Elston, Charlene Ford, Jo Goodwin, Amy Griffiths (Follies Girls), Harry Morrison, James O'Connell, Carl Sanderson, Phil Snowden, Stephen Whitson (Cowboys), Richard Jones, Josh Lacey and Jo Morris (Swings).

Love Never Dies to close in August

There has been much speculation on the future of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies for several months, but it has now been confirmed that the production will close at London’s Adelphi Theatre on 27th August 2011.

It is reputedly making way for the National’s production of One Man, Two Guvnors starring James Corden which runs at the Lyttelton Theatre into the autumn and then tours from September 27th till October 29th prior to transferring into the Adelphi.

Love Never Dies opened in the West End in March 2010 and has just opened its Australian production in Melbourne to great critical acclaim.  There had been reports that Lloyd Webber would work changes from this production into the London show ahead of any future international productions.

Love Never Dies took four nights off last November for improvements,  but with poor audience figures it seems that it will be taken off completely and then re-opened in London next year or go out on tour as a new production.

Idina Menzel in Concert with Marvin Hamlisch

The fabulous Idina Menzel is performing a one off concert at the the Royal Albert Hall at 7:30 pm on Thursday 6th October.  She will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch.

Tony Award-winning Menzel originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked! and Maureen in Rent.

They’re Playing Our Song and A Chorus Line composer and musical director Marvin Hamlisch will conduct the 60-piece orchestra with Menzel performing musical theatre and  pop favourites  for the first time outside the United States.

She has been touring America singing songs from Wicked, plus a fabulous version of Tomorrow from Annie, but may change the song list around for London which is her only planned European performance so far.

Menzel returns to the Royal Albert Hall having played Florence Vassy in the 2008 concert version of Chess with Josh Groban.

Buy Tickets for Idina Menzel  

Love Never Dies closing to make way for James Corden play?

Rumours have been circulating for months about the demise of Love Never Dies. But this one seems to have more substance as according to today’s Daily Mail James Corden and the National Theatre's One Man, Two Guvnors is eventually heading for Broadway, but before that happens a deal has been done for the play to transfer to the Adelphi Theatre from mid-November.

The Corden play runs at the Lyttelton Theatre into the autumn and then tours from September 27th till October 29th, prior to transferring  into the Adelphi.

If this is true it means Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies will close.  A number of the principals including Ramin Karimloo and David Thaxton are anyway due to leave in September.  This would give ALW an opportunity to completely revamp the show along the lines of the critically acclaimed and very successful Australian production and do a West End relaunch or tour in 2012.

STOP PRESS:  Just been announced that Love Never dies is closing on 27th August 2011.

Hugh Jackman to play Jean Valjean in LesMis movie?

According to Variety and a number of other Hollywood sources, Hugh Jackman is currently in talks for the lead role of Jean Valjean  in the "Les Miserables" movie which Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) is directing for Universal.

Valjean’s tenor score matches Jackman's natural vocal range, and having seen him in Oklahoma! at the National and The Boy From Oz on Broadway he can certainly sing and has the physical presence and strength required to play the part. In the Victor Hugo tome JVJ is described as “a bear of a man”.

Also since Fox's "The Wolverine" was pushed back after losing director Darren Aronofsky, Jackman has been looking for his next big project .

It’s certainly an exciting prospect ...

Oliver Tompsett & Amy Pemberton to lead Rock of Ages cast

Oliver Tompsett (Wicked!, Mamma Mia) and Amy Pemberton (Footloose, Jersey Boys) will play the leads of small-town boy and girl Drew and Sherrie in Rock of Ages, which opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 27th September 2011 (previews from 31stAugust).

Simon Lipkin (Nicky/Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q) will be playing Lonny the wise-cracking narrator.

The full cast is for Rock of Ages is Justin Lee Collins/Dennis Dupree: Shayne Ward/ Stacee Jaxx/Father:  Oliver Tompsett/Drew: Amy Pemberton/Sherrie: Simon Lipkin/Lonnie: Rohan Tickell/Hertz: Rachel McFarlane/Justice/Mother: Jodie Jacobs/Regina Candi: Sandy Moffat/Franz who will be joined by Ja'Keith Gill , Nathan Amzi, Grant Anthony, Cordelia Farnworth, Twinnie-Lee Moore, Andrew Spillett, Amy Thornton, Natalie Andreou, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Ian McIntosh, Jamie Muscato, Zizi Strallen and Dylan Turner.

Janie Dee in Cabaret at the Pheasantry

Janie Dee is performing in cabaret  at the The Pheasantry in London’s Kings Road, for six nights at 8:30 pm between  July 5th-10th.

Janie has won  two Oliver Awards and The Evening Standard and Critics Circle Best Actress Award. She is  currently performing at The Globe theatre in “All’s Well That Ends Well.” Janie has a great singing voice and  learnt to sing whilst teaching in Rome quickly moving from thechorus to front line, starring in Nicholas Hytner's production of Carousel a the National where she earned her first Oliver Award.
  
Her cabaret show will include a wide range of vocal styles embracing jazz, pop and ballads, Broadway and musical theatre.  With  classics by  singers and songwriters including Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Joni Mitchell, George and Ira Gershwin, plus  some comedy and satire from Spike Milligan, Alan Ayckbourn and Kit Hesketh Harvey amongst many others.“ I want to give people a real late-night laugh and make it a proper cabaret, a little bit naughty and fun. Mostly it’s been put together to give people surprises,” says Janie

In 2001 she performed her first cabaret show Diva At The Donmar and has since appeared as a cabaret singer at Pizza on the Park, The Shaw Theatre in 2005 where she was accompanied by Andrew Lloyd Webber and with Kevin Spacey at The Old Vic in 2010.  Janie also performed as part of the Divas at the Delfont Season at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

Janie will be accompanied by Alexander Bermange on piano and David Shaw-Parker on guitar.

TICKET PRICE:   £20.00  (Tues- Thurs)   £25.00   (Fri – Sun)

Tel:  0845 6027017  www.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk

More casting news for Chichester's Sweeney Todd

It has already been announced that Michael Ball is playing Sweeney Todd in the Chichester Festival Theatre production in September: Imelda Staunton is Mrs Lovett and Peter Polycarpou is Beadle Bamford (Judge Turpin’s henchman).

More news has reached me that Robert Burt is playing the “over the top barber” Signor Adolfo Pirelli and Simeon Truby is playing Jonas Fogg who runs the asylum Johanna is committed to.

Casting News for Rock of Ages

It has already been announced that Shayne Ward and Justin Lee Collins will be appearing the musical Rock of Ages which starts previews at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 31st August.

The latest bit of news is that Rohann Tickell who is currently playing Piangi in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre will be joining them playing Hertz Klinemann.

Hertz is one of the German developers who works with his son Fritz to convince the city's Mayor to abandon the "sex, drugs and rock-n-roll" lifestyle of the Sunset Strip and introduce "clean living" into the area so that they can start demolishing properties.

Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace’s Midnight Tango opens at Aldwych on 20th January

The very successful tour of Midnight Tango starring Strictly Come Dancing’s  Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace is produced by Arlene Phillips and Adam Spiegel and ends in Glasgow on 30th July after playing at a large number of UK venues for 13 weeks.

But now it is transferring into London’s West End for a limited season opening at the Aldwych Theatre on 20th January 2012 and running there until 31st March.

The action takes place in a late-night bar in downtown Buenos Aires. Midnight Tango is a very exciting show which has been created and choreographed by Simone and Cacace who are joined on stage by a company of ten other tango dancers.

Midnight Tango is directed by Karen Bruce, designed by Morgan Large and lit by James Whiteside. Live music is provided by Tango Siempre, featuring vocalist Guillermo Rozenthuler.

Buy tickets for Midnight Tango at the Aldwych Theatre

Running order for shows at West End Live

SATURDAY 18TH JUNE:
11.00 Million Dollar Quartet
11.20 Free Run
11.35 Wicked
11.43 Love Never Dies
11.50 Billy Elliot
11.55 War Horse
12.00 Lend Me a Tenor
12.15 Legally Blonde
12.30 Betty Blue Eyes
12.45 Chicago
13.00 We Will Rock You
13.20 Jersey Boys
13.45 Mamma Mia
14.00 Thriller Live
14.25 Flying Karamazov Brothers
14.40 Ghost
14.55 Rock of Ages
15.10 Crazy For You
15.25 West End Kids
15.40 Bob The Builder
15.55 Rock of Ages
16:10 Mark Jermin Stage School
16:20 West End Gospel Choir
16:35 London Gay Men's Chorus
16.55 Dan and Laura Curtis
17.10 Helena Blackman
17.20 Some Like It Hip Hop
17.35 Priscilla Queen of The Desert
17.50 Stomp
18.00 End of show

SUNDAY 19TH JUNE:
12.00 Stomp
12.15 All Join In And Other Stories
12.30 The Wizard of Oz
12.40 Thriller Live
13.05 Disney's The Lion King
13.20 Shrek The Musical
13.35 Rock of Ages
13.50 West End Gospel Choir
14.10 Mamma Mia!
14.25 Potted Potter
14.40 The Gleeks
14.55 Bob the Builder
15.10 Jersey Boys
15.35 Rock of Ages
15.50 Helena Blackman
16.00 Julie Atherton
16.15 EverYoung
16.30 Sylvia Young Theatre School
16.50 National Youth Music Theatre
17.15 Congo Faith Healers
18.00 Event Closes

Barry Manilow at Dress Circle

Barry Manilow has recently released a new CD entitled 15 Minutes which is his first original album for 10 years.

He will be at Dress Circle in Monmouth Street near Covent Garden on Thursday 23rd June from 6:30 pm to sign copies of the album.

You can purchase the CD on the day from 10:00 until 6:00 pm when you will be given a wrist band to give you access to the signing.

Because this event is expected to draw a large crowd only those wearing a wrist band will be allowed entry into the store once the signing has commenced.

Preview of Lee Mead in Legally Blonde

Lee Mead opens as Emmett in Legally Blonde the Musical at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End on Monday 20th June for a limited run until October.

But if you want a sneak preview of him playing the role he will be performing it for the first time in front of an audience with the Legally Blonde cast at West End LIVE  at noon on Saturday 18th June.

West End Live show line ups announced

London’s free theatrical extravaganza West End LIVE will be held from 11:00-18:00 on Saturday 18th June and 12:00-18:00 on Sunday 19th June. The seventh West End LIVE is being staged in Trafalgar Square instead of its usual location in Leicester Square which is being redeveloped.

Please note that the Circle Line and part of the District Line will be closed for the West End Live weekend, but the Piccadilly and Central lines are running as nornal and are within walking distance to Trafalgar Square.

Listed below are the shows which have been confirmed for each day. Click on this link for the shows' running order.

Saturday 18th June

Betty Blue Eyes, Billy Elliot, Bob the Builder, Chicago, Crazy for You, Dan and Laura Curtis, Free Run, Ghost, Helena Blackman, Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde, Lend Me a Tenor, London Gay Men's Chorus, Love Never Dies, Mark Jermin Stage School, Million Dollar Quartet, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Rock of Ages, Some Like It Hip Hop, Stomp, The Flying Karamazov Brothers, War Horse, We Will Rock You, West End Gospel Choir, West End Kids and Wicked!

Sunday 19th June

All Join In and Other Stories, Bob the Builder, Congo Faith Healers, Disney's The Lion King, Ever Young, Helena Blackman, Jersey Boys, Julie Atherton, Mamma Mia, National Youth Music Theatre, Potted Potter, Rock of Ages, Shrek the Musical Stomp, Sylvia Young Theatre School, The Gleeks, The Wizard of Oz, Thriller Live and West End Gospel Choir

Christie Brinkley to play Roxie Hart in Chicago

Supermodel Christie Brinkley is heading for London’s West End to take on the role of Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago at the Cambridge Theatre.

Brinkley came to fame when she was married to singer Billy Joel and appeared in his video of Uptown Girl which was a song he wrote about her.

She recently appeared in the show on Broadway with Amra-Faye Wright (who is also coming to London) playing Velma. The current London leads are due to leave the show on 26th June and Brinkley and Faye Wright will take on the roles  from July 11th  for four weeks ending on August 6th .

Chicago is playing at the Cambridge Theatre until 27 August when it will close to make way for the RSC’s Matilda the Musical. Producers are hopeful that the show’s 14-year run in the West End will continue in another London theatre.

Shayne Ward cast in Rock of Ages

Shayne Ward rose to fame as the winner of second series of The X Factor. He has sold over three million records worldwide and has had number one albums and singles in nine countries.

He is now due to play the role of over the top heavy metal superstar Stacey Jaxx in Rock of Ages which is due to start previews at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 31st August, Tom Cruise is playing this part in the new film version and James Carpinello was in the original Broadway cast.

Rock of Ages explores rock music through the eyes of Stacee Jaxx who is a huge rock and roll star.  It is set to the music of huge '80s rock bands, including Bon Jovi, Twisted Sisters, and Journey.

As Jaxx, Ward would sing numbers including Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive” and Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” among other hits from the era.

Love Never Dies closing for two weeks in September

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Phantom sequel Love Never Dies is closing at the Adelphi Theatre for two weeks from September from 5th-17th (which is the date of the cast change when  Ramin Karimloo and David Thaxton leave) for “maintenance work”.

This presumably means they will incorporate some changes from the successful Australian production and re-open with a new cast.

John Owen-Jones, Ramin Karimloo, Alex Gaumond and Matt Rawle performing at Dress Circle on Saturday

As part of the money raising programme to save the showbiz shop Dress Circle in London's Monmouth Street, West End leading men Ramin Karimloo, John Owen-Jones, Alex Gaumond and Mat Rawle are performing a benefit concert there live this Saturday, 11th June between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Ray Quinn to star in Grease at Liverpool

X Factor and Dancing on Ice star Ray Quinn is playing Billy Kostecki in Dirty Dancing in London’s West End until the show closes in July. 

Later in the year he is due to play the lead role of Danny Zuko in Grease (he played both Doody and Danny  in the West End).

He is to star in the tour of Grease when it reaches his home town of Liverpool and plays at the Empire from 8th-19th November 2011.

Book tickets for Ray Quinn in Grease

Ragtime Musical at Landor Theatre

Ragtime the Musical has its West-End premiere in 2003 when Maria Friedman was named Best Actress in the Olivier Awards.It is now playing at the Landor Theatre from September 1st - 8th October.

Ragtime takes place at the turn of the twentieth century in New York. An era is exploding. A century is spinning. And the people are moving in rhythm and rhyme to the music of Ragtime.

Ragtime tells the story of three groups in America: Coalhouse Walker Jr (a Harlem musician): a mother and her family in New Rochelle and Tateh, a Jewish immigrant who has come to America with his daughter seeking a new life. It features many historical figures, including Harry Houdini, Booker T. Washington, JP Morgan and Henry Ford.

The cast includes Louisa Lydell/Mother (Love Never Dies, Mamma Mia, Fame and Blood  Brothers): Rosalind James/Sarah (Hair, Les Miserables,Gone With the Wind, Jesus Christ Superstar): Kurt Kansley/Coalhouse (The Lion King,  Hair,  Grand Hotel, Rent and Show Boat).

They will be joined by Lauren Alexandra, Craig Rhys Barlow, John Barr, Emma Beckford, Jamie Birkett , Patsy Blower, Alexander Evans , Graham Hoadly, Michaela Cartmell-Hull, Daniel Jacob, Ashleigh Jones, David McMullan, Leo Miles, Aston New, Hollie O'Donoghue and Judith Paris

Ragtime the Musical has a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. It will be directed by Robert McWhir with Musical Direction by  George Dyer.

Tickets at: www.landortheatre.co.uk

Carousel at Landor Theatre next month

Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1945 classic musical Carousel is being performed at the Landor Theatre in Clapham from 8th-30th July.

The cast includes: Georgia Bevis, Ebony Buckle, Chelsea Corfield, Lee Dillon-Stuart, John Fleming, James Houlbrooke, Chloe Jane, Sean-Paul Jenkinson, Iddon Jones, Sue Kennett, Leonie Macaslin, Ross MacLeod, Charlotte Moore, Jill Patterson and Richard Vorster

Director: Jeremy Lloyd Thomas: Musical Director: Huw Evans, assisted by Nick House & Tom Turner: Additional Arrangements: Ben Costello: Choreographers: Lainie Baird & Jodie-Lee Wilde: Designer: Rachel Stone: Lighting Designer: Natashka Brown

Tickets at: www.landortheatre.co.uk

Russell Crowe up for Jean Valjean in LesMis movie?

Alfie Boe was on as Jean Valjean in last night’s performance of Les Miserables.  He is joining  the cast permanently on 23rd June and it might have been that it was the current JVJ Simon Bowman’s Monday night off (in which case Jonathan Williams performs), but it  is interesting that Boe was brought in so early and Cameron Mackintosh was in watching with Russell Crowe.

Crowe does sing and has performed lead vocals in a couple of his own rock/pop bands - could it be that he is being considered for the part in the movie version?

Shrek's donkey Richard Blackwood on the way out?

The rumours concerning the departure of  Richard Blackwood  from Shrek the Musical seem to be getting stronger and stronger. The show is currently previewing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and due to open a week today on 14th June.

Blackwood is playing Donkey and has received strong criticism of his acting and singing skills. It was always a bit of risky casting for such an integral role as Blackwood’s background shows a distinct lack of musical theatre credits (none) which could be the contributing factor.

The instinctive and original performance that came across as his audition does not seem to have transferred to the stage

If the producers are going to make a change they are likely to do it before press night.

Watch this space ….

Sondheim, Weidman & Doyle in Conversation about Road Show

The new Sondheim musical Roadshow is due to start previews at the Menier Chocolate Factory on 24th June and runs from 6th July-17th September.

Road Show is the third collaboration between Sondheim and book writer John Weidman (Pacific Overtures and Assassins)

You can hear Stephen Sondheim, John Weidman and John Doyle (the director) talk about the show at the Menier on the  25th June at 8:00 pm. You are also invited to put your questions to the panel.

All tickets £15.00 (limited to 4 per customer)

LATEST NEWS:  Afraid this has sold out within a few hours of the tickets going on sale!

Rosemary Ashe in Gypsy at Landor cancelled

The Landor Theatre in Clapham was due to stage the Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents' classic 1959 musical Gypsy with Rosemary Ashe playing Mama Rose, which was the role originally played by Ethel Merman on Broadway and has since starred, Angela Lansbury, Patri Lupone, Bette Midler and Bernadette Peters

It was due to run at the Landor from 2nd-27th August 2011 but has now been cancelled due to “contractual issues” with the licensor.

A statement from the producers said:   “We at Theatrica are most embarrassed by the closure of the Gyspy production, and offer our sincere apologies to the creative team, to the Landor Theatre ...and above all, to the many people who have sent messages of goodwill or booked tickets (naturally, bookings will be refunded as quickly as possible)."

Gypsy's demise  follows cancellations of productions of Moby Dick and  Little Shop of Horrors in May which fell apart due to a funding shortfall and problems with rights holders.

A press release from the Landor said: “The Landor is most disappointed to lose the planned show, especially at such short notice. We are considering options to fill the gap in our schedule, and look forward to shortly giving notice of a new production.”

Hopefully in  July the theatre will revive Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel followed by the Broadway musical Ragtime in September.

Glee’s Matthew Morrison on SYTYCD tomorrow night

Star of Glee Matthew Morrison (aka Mr Schuester) has a short  UK concert tour starting on Monday 6th June at the Dublin 02 Arena and ending at the Hammersmith Apollo. 

He has also just released his debut solo album entitled Matthew Morrison which features duets with Elton John and Gwyneth Paltrow.

You can see him perform “Still Got Tonight” from the CD on the So You Think You Can Dance results show tomorrow night (Saturday 4th June) on BBC1 at 21.10.    This week is the semi-final of the contest with the main show starting at 17:40.

West End Stars in When You Hear My Voice Concert

When You Hear My Voice is the fourth Tim Williams Award event presenting 28 new musical theatre numbers using established lyrics not intended for songs performed by 26 West End singers.

The concert is being held at the Cochrane Theatre, Southampton Row (Holborn Tube) on Sunday 26th June from 6:00-9:000 pm. Ticket prices are “pay what you can” with a minimum donation of £5.00. Reservations: twa@europe.com / 020 7793 9755

Cash prizes for composition will again be presented in memory of Tim Williams (the London Shakespeare Workout's late Musical Director).   22 composers have been given at least one lyric, a dramatic scenario for their song, a suggested musical style (to ensure overall programme variety) and the range of one of the 26 West End Singers who will actively take part. 

Lyrics range from works by William Shakespeare, Mary Stuart and Charles Dickens to Christina Rossetti, William Blake, Sir Noel Coward, Emily Bronte and Aleksandr Pushkin.

West End performers from  Les Mis: REBECCA CAINE, JAMES SMOKER, JAY BRYCE, MARK DICKINSON and MADALENA ALBERTO,  Wicked!: DIANNE PILKINGTON, A Little Night Music: KELLY PRICE, Avenue Q: (REBECCA LOCK), Porgy and Bess: ANTON STEPHENS, Shrek: STUART MATTHEW PRICE, Love Story: PETER POLYCARPOU, Oliver!: SARAH LARK, Fascinating Aida: MARILYN CUTTS, Phantom of the Opera: WILL BARRATT, Sunset Boulevard: LAURA PITT-PULFORD, Bad Girls: NICOLE FARADAY, Grand Hotel: VALERIE CUTKO (Broadway cast), The King and I: GINA RESPALL, Chicago: VIVIEN CARTER and SHIMI GOODMAN and the Sondheim Student Singer of the Year for both 2009 and 2010 MICHAEL PEAVOY and ALEX YOUNG.

When You Hear My Voice is in support of Help for Heroes (Walking for the Wounded).

Cast announced for tour of Legally Blonde the Musical

The cast for the Tour of Legally Blonde which starts at the Liverpool Empire on 8th July is Faye Brookes (Grease) playing Elle the homecoming queen with big ambitions played by Reece Witherspoon in the 2001 movie.

Ex-Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon will play divorced manicurist Paulette until 17th September. She recently starred in a tour of Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds opposite Jason Donovan and Rhydian Roberts.

Hollyoaks' Neil Toon (Les Miserables) is law student Warner, Iwan Lewis (Fame, Passion) plays Emmett, Sophie Isaacs is Margot and seasoned West End actor Dave Willetts (Les Misérables, Phantom of The Opera, Sunset Boulevard) will play Professor Callaghan. 

The cast also includes Gemma Baird, Lori Barker, Niamh Bracken, Andrew Gordon-Watkins, Lewis Griffiths, Hannah Grover, Charlotte Harwood, Katie-Marie Hicks, Nia Jermin, Graham Lappin, Sinead Long, Rhona McGregor, Chris Milford, Zak Nemorin, Andy Rees, Jon Reynolds, Micha Richardson, Amy Ross, Michael Steedon, Barnaby Thompson, Michael Vinsen and Hannah Woolley.

John Owen-Jones & Phantom Cast in Cabaret at Delfont Room

Cast members of the Phantom of the Opera including the Phantom himself John Owen-Jones and Will Barratt (Raoul) will be appearing in cabaret performing A Complicated Love at the Delfont Room, Prince of Wales Theatre at 11:15 pm on Thursday 21st July.

100% of the profits go to the work of The Make A Difference Trust Hardship Fund.

Tickets at: www.delfont-mackintosh.com

Julie Atherton, Richard Fleeshman, Jon Lee & Daniel Boys No Space for Air Concert

West End star Julie Atherton celebrates the first anniversary of her album No Space for Air with her biggest solo concert yet on Sunday 26th June at the Apollo Theatre. The show will feature special guests including Daniel Boys, Jon Lee from Jersey Boys  and Richard Fleeshman who is soon to open in Ghost the Musical.   

She will be performing tracks from the album together with songs from the shows that she has appeared in including Avenue Q, The Last 5 Years, Through the Door and Ordinary Days (which she appeared in with Boys at the Trafalgar Studios).

Julie and her guests will be accompanied by a live ten-piece band and on-stage choir with Emmy Award winning composer Lance Horne making a guest appearance to accompany her for two of his songs.

Best known for creating the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q, and for playing Cathy in Jason Robert Brown’s The Last 5 Years. Julie has also played Sophie in Mamma Mia! and Serena in Fame.

Julie launched her second solo album No Space for Air, at the Delfont Room last June. She opens at the Apollo following acoustic dates at The Pheasantry in Chelsea.

Tickets at: www.ambassadortickets.com

Kerry Ellis, Daniel Boys & Jonathan Williams starring in Godspell Concert

The Palace Theatre in Manchester is presenting a one off concert version of the musical Godspell to celebrate its 40th Anniversary. It will star Kerry Ellis and takes place on 21st October 2011.

LATEST NEWS 2nd August:  Daniel Boys and Jonathan Williams (alernate Jean Valjean in LesMis) have joined the cast.  Daniel will play Judas and Jonathan will play Jesus.

Buy tickets here for Godspell. 

Justin Lee Collins cast in Rock of Ages

The West End transfer of the Broadway musical Rock of Ages starts previews at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 31st August.

The first bit of casting which has been announced is that comedian, television, radio presenter and occasional singer Justin Lee Collins will play the role of Bourbon Bar owner and ageing hippy Dennis Dupree (played in the original LA stage show by Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass and in the forthcoming film by Alec Baldwin).

He has worked extensively on television including the Friday Night Project with Alan Carr. His only musical theatre credit is that for a programme on Sky One  he  learned the necessary skills necessary to perform on the West End stage to enable him to play Amos Hart for three  performances in Chicago at the Cambridge Theatre.

Lee Collins said : “Being a fan of bands like Whitesnake, Foreigner, Journey and Bon Jovi, I couldn’t resist when I heard about the chance to appear in the show. What young lad hasn’t strummed the air guitar to the classic riffs of those poodle-haired rock bands of the 80’s? Now I’ll get to do it on stage every night".