Kerry Ellis in Concert at the Palladium

Kerry Ellis is currently touring in Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The New Generation - Alive on Stage, but she has just announced that next December she will performing in Concert at the London Palladium on Sunday 12th May 2013 at 7:30pm

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 4th December  at 09:00

More Casting for Cats Tour

Casting for the tour of Cats currently includes Oliver Savile/Rum Tum Tugger: Katy Warsop/Rumpleteazer: Joanna Ampil/Grizabella and Cameron Ball as Macavity.

They are now being joined by Joseph Poulton (pictured) playing Mr Mistoffelees. He is a choreographer and apprentice dancer with Ballet Black London so should certainly have all the moves for a role which originally played by Wayne Sleep back in the day when it opened at the New London Theatre.

Let It Be Transferring to Savoy

The Let It Be Beatles Tribute is running at the Prince of Wales Theatre until 19th January and is now due to transfer to the Savoy Theatre from 1st February 2013 (booking until 5th October) next year after Cabaret closes (also on 19th January).

Producer Jamie Hendry said: "Night after night audiences leap to their feet, demonstrating that the music of The Beatles is as popular now as it ever has been. I am delighted that Let it Be has been so positively received, both critically and commercially, and the transfer to the Savoy Theatre will allow this fantastic music to continue being showcased in the West End."

Michael Ball Both Sides Now New Album Tracks

Michael Ball is currently recording his new album Both Sides Now which is due for release next February.  He has just been telling the One Show that three of the new tracks are:

• a song from the new musical From Here To Eternity which Tim Rice is co-producing and which starts previews  at the Shaftesbury Theatre at the end of next September
• Suddenly which Claude-Michel Schonberg, Alain Boublil and Herbert Kretzmer have written  specifically for Hugh Jackman in the new Les Miserables movie. It is sung during Valjean’s political years when he is the mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer after he rescues Cosette from the Thenardiers
• and  a new collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Leslie Bricusse which has produced a new song called Perfect.

And don't forget that tickets go on sale for Michael's new concert tour Both Sides Now at 09:00 on Friday 30th November.

Release Date of LesMis Movie Highlights Album

The official CD with highlights from the motion picture soundtrack of the new Les Miserables movie starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe is  to be released on January 14th.

The film premieres in London on 5^th December and goes on general release in the UK on 11^th January.

You can pre-order Les Misérables: Highlights From The MotionPicture Soundtrack  from Amazon for £9.00 with free UK Super Saver Delivery.  

Back to the Musicals A Merry Little Christmas

Back  to the Musicals returns to the Pheasantry on the King’s Road in Chelsea on Sunday 9th December at 8:00 pm. 

Back to the Musicals a Merry Little Christmas is a celebration of festive music from the world of theatre and film. It is devised and directed by Jennifer Coyle with musical direction by Nicholas Chave.

The cast includes Jennifer Coyle, Amelia Adams-Pearce, Liz Carter, Samuel Haughton, Kirsty Knight, Sam Lathwood, Emma Jane Morton, Dale Page and Steven Oliver Webb.

They will be performing numbers from classic shows including Mame and White Christmas and well as modern material from Songs for a New World and Elf  with  music from films Home Alone, Alan Menken’s A Christmas Carol and Polar Express.

Buy tickets for Back to the Musicals A Merry Little Christmas

Michael Ball Christmas Concert

TV Presenter Chris Hollins presents an assortment of festive delights from traditional music to favourite hits at the Royal Albert Hall at 7:30 on Thursday 13th December.
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It will star Michael Ball with Anna Jane Casey, Matt Rawle and Amore. They will be accompanied by the London Oratory School Schola, RAF Squadronaires, the City of London Choir and the London Concert Orchestra conducted by Jae Alexander

Numbers include It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Walking in a Winter Wonderland, Let it Snow, Jingle Bell Rock, White Christmas, Joy to the World, The Nutcracker Overture, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and carols O Come All Ye Faithful, The First Nowell, While Shepherds Watched and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

All finished off with an indoor firework finale

Buy tickets for Christmas Concert

Ricky Martin. Elena Roger and Michael Cerveris to leave Evita Broadway Revival

Ricky Martin, Elena Roger and Michael Cerveris will leave the Broadway revival of Evita in January after playing the roles of Che, Evita and Juan Peron for nine months.

The Tony-nominated production is directed by Michael Grandage and has broken the theatre's box-office record seven times. So quite predictably the producers of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical said the show would continue its open-ended run at New York's Marquis Theatre with three new stars.

Tim Howar & Matthew Cammelle in Musicals of the Night

At the Barbican Hall on 29th December at 19:30.

A new line-up of West End and Broadway show-stopping songs featuring stars from the West End including Tim Howar, Matthew Cammelle, Celia Graham and Melanie La Barrie.  Accompanied by the London Concert Orchestra conducted by David Shrubsole

Musicals featured include Hello Dolly!, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mary Poppins, The Phantom Of The Opera, Guys And Dolls, The Wizard Of Oz, Oliver!, The Lion King, Wicked, Love Never Dies, South Pacific, Carousel, Barnum and Jersey Boys.

Tickets for Musicals of the night

Michael Crawford Ultimate Collection CD

Michael Crawford has most recently been seen on the London stage  playing the title role in The Wizard of Oz.

He is now releasing his Ultimate Collection album which is a double CD featuring 28 of his most acclaimed performances including selections from musicals The Phantom Of The Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Les Miserables plus a selection of classics.

It is due for release tomorrow, Monday 26th November,  and can be ordered from Amazon for £9.99

The tracklisting is: The Music Of The Night: Any Dream Will Do:All I Ask Of You: When I Fall In Love:The Story Of My Life:West Side Story Medley: Maria/Tonight/Somewhere: When You Wish Upon A Star: Unexpected Song: If: Gethsemane: Come Rain or Come Shine: Stormy Weather: Before The Parade Passes By:You'll Never Walk Alone: The Phantom Of The Opera:  I Dreamed A Dream:  The Lion King Medley: Can You Feel The Love Tonight/Circle Of Life/He Lives In You/Shadowland: Memory: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again: Only You: The Power of Love:Tell Me On A Sunday: Since You Stayed Here: On Eagle's Wings: Bring Him Home: You'll Be In My Heart: In The Still Of The Night and Love Changes Everything.

is most acclaimed performances on his "Ultimate Collection" album. Including selections from The Phantom Of The Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Les Miserables, the CD will also feature a selection of pop songs. Watch the TV commercial below!
Most recently seen on the West End stage in The Wizard of Oz, and long overdue for a Broadway return, Crawford had established himself as one of London's finest leading men long before he opened as "the Phantom" in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera beginning one of the most widely acclaimed and memorable performances in theatre history. Few stars are as widely connected to a single role as Crawford is to "the Phantom." His Los Angeles and Broadway performances earned an astonishing catalogue of critical recognition including the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and the Los Angeles Dramalogue Award and Drama Critics Award.
Since leaving "Phantom" after nearly four years in the role in London, New York and Los Angeles; Crawford has become a multi-platinum recording artist and one of the worlds's most sought after concert and stage performers, playing to sold-out venues around the globe. In addition to his recent concert work, stage credits in London and on Broadway include Billy, Flowers for Algernon, Black Comedy, Dance of the Vampires and Barnum.


Read more: http://westend.broadwayworld.com/article/STAGE-TUBE-Michael-Crawfords-ULTIMATE-COLLECTION-Album-TV-Commercial-20121123#ixzz2DFN1GrxR

Michael Ball Both Sides Now Tour Dates

Updated 26th November: If you think that Michael Ball has been resting on his laurels after his critically acclaimed (and exhausting) run as Sweeney Todd at Chichester and in London's West End,  then think again as he has been recording a new album and planning a concert tour for next year.

The Both Sides Now Tour and new album will comprise two halves featuring Michael's biggest hits from both his recording and stage career.
The album will be released in February and will also  feature new tracks written by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice. 

The Both Sides Now Tour starts on 15th April at Ipswich and carries on until 10th May ending at the Portsmouth Guildhall.  Tickets go on sale at 09:00 on Friday 30th November. Presale begins Wednesday 28th.

He will also be returning to BBC Radio 2 next year with a brand new show on Sunday 13th January 2013

John Partridge & Scarlett Strallen to Star in A Chorus Line

John Partridge has just left eastEnders after almost five years playing the role of Christian Clarke to return to his musical theatre roots and star as Zach the director in the new production of A Chorus Line which follows Scrooge starring Tommy Steele at the London Palladium to start previews next February for a limited run until July.

Partridge stars with Scarlett Strallen who plays Cassie who is forced to seek work back in the chorus line after failing in Hollywood. She is currently starring in Singin' in the Rain at the Palace Theatre which she leaves on Saturday to go straight into rehearsals for A Chorus Line.

Other casting to date is Leigh Zimmerman (Chicago, The Producers, The Will Rogers Follies, Crazy For You,  A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) as Sheila and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Gypsy,Flashdance,West Side Story) as Diana.

According to Baz in today's Mail  Partridge said: Zach's charismatic and manipulative.  As Zach's an old hoofer himself, he's perhaps more sympathetic than he lets on.

He took the job for the chance to work with the legendary Bob Avian, who choreographed the production in 1975 and who will direct the new production at the Palladium.

New Musical Lift at Soho Theatre

The world premiere of a new musical by Craig Adams and Ian Watson about love, life and loss in a London lift runs at the Main House Soho Theatre from 30th January- 24th February 2013.

One Lift. 8 Strangers. 54 Seconds. A thousand possibilities. How the things we dare not say could change our lives and how those closest to us are often those we’ve never met.

The show will star Julie Atherton/French Teacher (Sister Act, Cinderella, Avenue Q, Fame, Mamma Mia!): Nikki Davis-Jones/Secretary (Wicked, Mamma Mia!, Never Forget, Blood Brothers): Cynthia Erivo/Lap Dancer (Sister Act, Umbrellas of Cherbourg): Jonny Fines/Ballet Dancer (Avenue Q, The Sound of Music): Luke Kempner/Bright Young Thing (South Pacific, Sleeping Beauty, Avenue Q, Les Misérables): Ellie Kirk/Athletic and Wearing a Thong (The Alchemist, Legally Blonde, La Boheme, Much Ado About Nothing: George Maguire/Busker  (20th Century Boy, Fame, Rent):  Robbie Towns/Tall, Dark and Handsome (The Tempest, Scrooge, Legally Blonde, Evita). 

Lift has music and lyrics by Craig Adams and a book by Ian Watson. It will be directed by Steven Paling with assistant direction by Tom Jackson Greaves. It is produced by Theatre Bench in association with Soho Theatre and Ros Povey and has been developed and licensed by Perfect Pitch.

Tickets for Lift

Mazz Murray, Gina Murray and Emma Kershaw Woman Concert

West End stars Mazz Murray, Gina Murray and Emma Kershaw form the group Woman who will be performing at the St James Studio on Sunday 2nd December at 7:30 pm

Woman first came together to perform at the Savoy for a charity concert in aid of breast cancer with their song, I’m a Woman, causing such a stir that they recorded it as a single for the charity.

Queen’s Brian May arranged and produced the track which was recorded at Abbey Road studios. Brian then joined the girls as their special guest at the Albert Hall to perform the song.

Woman has since been performing at events including Isle of Wight Festival, ‘Walk the Walk’ in Hyde Park, and the Hard Rock Café, with a recent appearance on ITV’s Loose Women. Gloria Hunniford is a great supporter and Woman has performed at many Caron Keating foundation events and concerts.

The legendary Mazz Murray  is the longest running Killer Queen in We Will Rock You: Gina Murray has starred in shows including West End's Chicago, The Full Monty and Fame and  Emma Kershaw has starred  Fame, Hot Stuff and Company

Tickets for Woman

Faye Tozer & Dylan Turner in new Tailor Made Man musical

The World Premiere of the new musical Tailor Made Man will take place at the Arts Theatre in London with previews from 13th February, press night 21st February and booking until 6th April 2013.

It is the true story of William Haines, the silent screen star who was fired by Louis B Mayer of MGM Studios because he was gay and refused to marry and give up his lifelong partner Jimmy Shields.  It is the story of Billy and Jimmy’s turbulent, passionate love affair that survived and lasted over 50 years

It will star Faye Tozer from Steps as Marion Davies and Dylan Turner (Mamma Mia!, High School Musical, Rock of Ages) as William Haines.

Original Play By Claudio Macor and Musical Adaptation By Amy Rosenthal. Music is by Duncan Walsh Atkins and Adam Meggido and Lyrics by Adam Meggido.

It will be directed at the Arts Theatre by Claudio Macor, with Martin Constantine as the creative associate.  Choreography by Nathan M Wright, design by Sophia Simensky, lighting by Humphrey McDermott, sound by Tom Marshall and musical direction by Duncan Walsh Atkins.

Tickets for The Tailor Made Man

Auditions for Miss Saigon

Updated 16th June: the new revivals creative team are due to fly out to Manilla in November to hold open auditions so looks like revival is happening. 

Auditions are currently underway in Manila in the Philippines for Miss Saigon which is rumoured to be revived in London next year.

They are being run by British stage director Laurence Connor (“Miss Saigon,” “Les Miserables”) and Dong Alegre qho is Cameron Mackintosh’s representative in the Philippines.

According to notices at the auditions venue: “These auditions seek to find suitable candidates to play the role of Kim and the male and female Asian ensemble performers for future productions of ‘Miss Saigon’…There shall be no cast announcements made during the course of the audition exercise. As in past auditions, this audition exercise is ‘exploratory’ in nature.”

It’s ripe for a revival so watch this space ….

Tracie Bennett Joining Scott & Bailey

West End star Tracie Bennett recently finished playing Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow in London and on Broadway to great critical acclaim.  She has now joined the cast of ITV’s highly successful crime drama Scott and Bailey for its third series to be broadcast next year.

The stars Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp have  returned for eight new episodes which are currently being filmed on location in Manchester.

Tracie is playing Sharon Bailey: the unhinged and carefree mum of Rachel (Suranne Jones), Alison (Sally Lindsay) and Dom (Liam Boyle) bringing chaos, upset and embarrassment into their lives.

Shayne Ward Charity Christmas Concert

He has just been appearing in Rock of Ages in London's West End, and  Shayne Ward is now due to top the bill at the North West Air Ambulance Charity carol concert at Manchester Cathedral on December 11th.

Shayne said: “I’m really excited to be supporting such a great cause in my home town of Manchester. You never know when you’re going to need help yourself, so to be able to give something back and help the charity raise the funds it needs to be able to do its job is fantastic.”

Tickets for the concert cost £6 for children, £9 for adults and £16 for families. To book contact Litza Gorman at North West Air Ambulance on 0151 547 7830 or email litza.gorman@nwaa.net

Corrie's Vicky Entwistle on Joining LesMis

Vicky Entwistle joins Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre next January to take over the role of Madame Thenardier.

Vicky is best known as the loudmouth factory worker Janice Battersby in Coronation Street but according to the Sunday People she is looking forward to her new career in the West End and it seems unlikely she will appear on the cobbles again.

She wants to move on from Janice and tackle Shakespeare saying: "I would like to shake off Janice. I love her but I want to spread my wings. I have to prove myself again as an actor. I will always be grateful to Coronation Street. I had a great time there”.

She has turned down lucrative offers for reality TV shows because she wants to be taken seriously as a performer.

Vicky has been having singing lessons for her role in Les Miserables saying "I went to see the production team in April saw a piano and instantly went into a panic because I've never done any training to be a singer. I'm very much out of my comfort zone but that's why I want to do it. When I was offered it I went, 'Yes!' This is not something you'd get handed because you've been in a soap opera. I had to go and see them five or six times and show I'd improved each time."

You can see Vicky as Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables at London's Queen's Theatre from January 28th -June15th 2013.

New Tour of Evita

Bill Kenwright is taking Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice's Evita on the road again next year with the first announced date on 20th May 2013 at the Milton Keynes Theatre.

The only venue which has booking open at the moment is Milton Keynes from 20th May-11th June, it  is also touring to Glasgow Kings (3rd-15th June), Norwich Theatre Royal (15th-27th July) and Wolverhampton Grand (19th-31st August).

More dates and casting to follow.

Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour DVD Released Tomorrow

The arena touring production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar will be released on DVD  tomorrow.

Jesus Christ Superstar Live Arena Tour features a cast including Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot,  Spice Girl Melanie C as Mary Magdalene radio DJ Chris Moyles as King Herod and Ben Forster who was the winner of the ITV show Superstar in the title role.

It can be ordered here from Amazon for £14.99 

John Owen-Jones In the Flesh TV Drama Series

West End leading man John Owen-Jones has just finished playing the lead role in the tour of the Phantom of the Opera and before that played the part in the West End around 1,400 times over the years - earning him the title of the longest running London Phantom.

He is now moving away from long runs in musicals and last night headlined his first show Unmasked - An Evening with John Owen-Jones at the Swansea Grand.  The show was a sell out and his next concert is An Evening of Movies and Musicals at the Usher Hall in  Edinburgh 24th November where he is joined by Ruthie Henshall and Keith Jack from Joseph accompanied by a large community choir.

He is also keen into straight acting roles and has just finished recording a new TV drama series about zombies called In The Flesh which is to be screened on BBC3 next year. It also stars The Royle Family’s Ricky Tomlinson, Kenneth Cranham and Rev star Steve Evets.

Owen-Jones said “My role is only a small one but it’s important to the setting up of the story which tells of how, after a freak occurrence re-animates thousands of dead people one night, all these zombies have to be rehabilitated back into society somehow,” adding that he’s also got a role in “a long running ITV series” also in the pipeline which he wasn’t prepared to elaborate on at the moment.

Watch this space for more news …

More Casting News for Jeff Wayne’s New War of the Worlds Tour

Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The New Generation - Alive on Stage is going on a UK arena tour at the end of this month.

Joining Liam Neeson (who replaces Richard Burton in 3D holography as the story's narrator journalist George Herbert), Kerry Ellis (Beth), Jason Donovan (her husband Parson Nathaniel), Wet, Wet Wet's Marti Pellow (The Sung Thoughts of the Journalist) and Ricky Wilson who is lead singer from the Kaiser Chiefs (the Artilleryman) are Will Stapleton as The Voice of Humanity and Michael Falzon who will be  reprising the dual role of William Rowland/ Marvin Krauth he played on a previous tour as well as taking on a new role which has been specially created for this production

Michael Falzon is an Australian actor, singer and songwriter. His break-through role came in 2003 when he was by Queen's Brian May & Roger Taylor to star as Galileo in We Will Rock You. Other musical theatre credits include Sydney Theatre Company's The Wharf Revue,  Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Adam Guettel's Floyd Collins, Adam Gwon's Ordinary Days , Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages, an Australian tour of Side by Side by Sondheim and as 'The Arbiter' in Chess for The Production Company.

Will Stapleton is the front man of the fast-rising British rock band Jettblack which has just an extensive tour.

LesMis Movie UK Release Date

The American release date for the Les Miserables movie starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe has already been announced as 25th December in New York.  And now at last the UK date has been confirmed as Friday 11th January 2013.

Even though it's not opening first in cinemas here, the world premiere is taking place in the UK on Wednesday 5th December in London at the Empire Leicester Square.  Even the current cast of LesMis at the Queen's are being given the night off to attend and doing an additional matinee on the 6th at 2:30 pm

In case you haven't seen it, click here to see official international trailer. Looks amazing!

Mark Wynter Joining Dreamboats at Wyndham's

60’s pop star Mark Wynter is joining the cast of  Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Wyndham’s Theatre playing Phil/Older Bobby from Tuesday 20th November.

Mark had nine singles chart hits and spent 80 weeks in the hit parade during the 1960’s.  He made his musical theatre debut in Phil the Fluter at London’s Palace Theatre and went on to perform in musicals including Charlie Girl, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, South Pacific and Barnum.

H is going back to his roots in Dreamboats as every night during the finale for the first time in fifty years he will sing his hits including Venus in Blue Jeans, Go Away Little Girl and It's Almost Tomorrow.

Rosie Ashe Call Me Merman

Rosemary Ashe, Olivier Award nominated star of London's West End,  is paying tribute to Ethel Merman, the legendary first lady of the musical comedy stage.

She is presenting her show Call Me Merman when she visits all of the Broadway star's biggest shows from Gershwins' Girl Crazy in (which made her a star overnight) through to Styne and Sondheim's Gypsy.

From November 13th-17th Rosie will be at The Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel, 20 Sherwood Street, London W1.

Ticket price : £20 / Telephone bookings: 020 7 734 4888 or visit 
www.crazycoqs.com

Sierra Boggess, Danielle Hope & Jodie Prenger in Jingle Belles

A host of West End Divas are singing  in aid of Cancer Research UK in  Jingle Belles which will be held at the Leicester Square Theatre on 6th December at 23:00.

The current list of Belles is Sierra Boggess and  Danielle Hope from Les Miserables, Jodie Prenger, Maeve Byrne, The Goldstone girls, Melissa Jacques, Sejal Keshwala, Rebecca Louis, Sally Plumb, Verity Rivett, Laura Tebbutt and Francesca Whiffin . . .  with more names being added all the time ...

Tickets for Jingle Belles 

The Secret Garden: In Concert

I loved reading this book when I was young and adored the musical version when I saw it in Edinburgh.

From the producing team behind The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Arts Theatre) and The Children of Eden Gala Concert (Prince Edward Theatre), Aria Entertainment and Knockhardy Productions bring the three times Tony Award winning musical The Secret Garden to life in an intimate concert at The King’s Head Theatre, Islington from 10th February – 17th March 2013.

It tells the story of Mary Lennox who is orphaned while living in India and has to live with her distant uncle in Yorkshire. She becomes friends with local boy Dickon and begins to take an interest in the mysterious house where she now lives - especially a walled part of the garden which has been locked for many years and which a robin leads her to. But can she unlock the secrets that are held within?

Music: Lucy Simon - Book & Lyrics: Marsha Norman - Director: Matthew Gould - Musical Director: David Keefe

Cast to be announced soon.

Tickets for the Secret Garden

Les Miserables Cast Changes

There are some cast changes in Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre after Christmas with Sierra Boggess leaving the show on 10th January to play Christine for a limited season in Phantom on Broadway.  

She will be replaced by Dutch actress Celinde Schoenmaker making her West End debut playing Fantine from 14th January.

As already mentioned, Corrie's Vicky Entwistle (loudmouth factory worker Janice Battersby) will be playing Madame Thenardier from Monday 28th January and will be joined by Jamie Ward as Marius and  Christopher Jacobsen as Enjolras. 

Sheridan Smith in ITV Drama Panto! Over Christmas

Updated 4th December: Panto! to be aired on ITV1 On 27th December at 9:00 pm.

West End star Sheridan Smith has been tweeting that she is starting rehearsals for a new comedy to be shown over Christmas, and ITV1 coincidentally have just announced  the commissioning of festive comedy drama Panto!

Co-written by John Bishop and Jonathan Harvey (Coronation Street, Beautiful People), Panto! stars Bishop and Sheridan Smith in the lead roles. John is playing Lewis Loud who is a cheeky local DJ from Morecambe FM making his panto debut in the Grand Theatre Lancaster's seasonal show Dick Whittington. During rehearsals he falls for TV celebrity Tamsin who is played by Sheridan.

In August Sheridan appeared with John Bishop in BBC1’s hard-hitting drama Accused. She has also recently appreared in Mrs Biggs and just finished playing Hedda Gabler at the Old Vic.One of her tweets over the weekend showed her with blonde hair extensions, a fake tan and nail extensions for the new role!

Other lead players are Samantha Spiro (Grandma’s House, Cor Blimey!), Mark Benton (Waterloo Road, Early Doors, soon to play larger than life Edna Turnblad in the tour of Hairspray) and 1990s pop star Chesney Hawkes also have major roles. Daniel Bishop, Kaye Wragg, Michael Cochrane and Ami Metcalf complete the cast.

John Bishop said: “In 2006 I left my job – that Christmas I appeared in a local panto. It was there I fell in love with that world and came up with the idea of a comedy drama, which has now evolved into Panto! To be making this six years later for ITV1 is really very exciting. The script I’ve written with Jonathan Harvey is something I’m immensely proud of, and the cast are all brilliant – and we’ve even got Chesney Hawkes! What more could anyone wish for this Christmas.”

Joanna Ampil playing Grizabella in Cats Tour

There is some more casting news for the tour of Cats which kicks off at Edinburgh Playhouse next February.

Philippine actress Joanna Ampil is playing Grizabella who sings the iconic song Memory. Her other West End credits include  Kim in Miss Saigon, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables and Mimi in Rent.

She turned down the original offer of a one year contract because she didn’t want to be away from the Philippines for too long and is now performing the role for six months . Ampil will perform at 10 venues including Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Manchester, Wolverhampton and Southampton, Dublin and Oostende in Belgium returning  to Manila after the Dublin show in September.

She will be joining Oliver Savile  (Les Miserables playing the role of Feuilly/1st cover Enjolras) Rum Tum Tugger. Katie Warsop (Wizard of Oz, We Will Rock You, Spirit of the Dance, 42nd Street) is playing Rumpleteazer and  Cameron Ball  (shortly to appear in Leicester Curve’s Hello Dolly!,  The Snowman. Chess, White Christmas, A Chorus Line, The Wizard of Oz, 42nd Street, Fiddler on the Roof, Giselle) is Macavity.

Line Up Announced The Night of 1000 Stars

Updated 1st February: .

This year The Night of 1000 Stars is hosted by Alan Titchmarsh and will be celebrating the works of the great Broadway producer and director, Harold (Hal) Prince (who has just turned 85 years of age)

It  will be held at the Royal Albert Hall on the Spring Bank Holiday Sunday May 5th.

West End stars confirmed to appear include  The Bodyguard's Heather Headley (who will sing two Stephen Sondheim numbers from Merrily We Roll Along) and  Debbie Kurup, Denise van Outen and Tiffany Graves (Chicago), Katie Rowley-Jones (Wicked!), Alex Bourne (Kiss Me Kate), Ian Knauer (Mamma Mia!), Marcus Lovett, Shona Lindsay and Tabitha Webb (The Phantom of the Opera) and Kristen Beth Williams (Top Hat).

They will be joined by Danish actor Christian Lund, composer Jason Robert Brown, Kenneth Nichols (Show Boat) and Len Cariou (Blue Bloods on SKY Atlantic). They will be accompanied by the West End Chorus, Stephen Disley (organ), violin soloist Diana Yukawa and The City of London Philharmonic

Directed by Hugh Wooldridge with musical supervision by David Firman and Stuart Morley it will  again be for the benefit of The Caron Keating Foundation,  which is a charity run by Caron's (pictured) family and mother Gloria Hunniford  to help individuals and families affected by cancer.

Tickets for Night of 1000 Stars

Blood Brothers Final Curtain

Having been at the opening night of the revival of  Blood Brothers in the West End  in 1998 when Kiki Dee was Mrs Johnstone, Warwick Evans was narrating and Con O'Neill was Mickey, it seemed only fitting that I was there at the last night.

I've lost count of the number of times I have seen the show over the years with all the different casts, but have to say every time Willy Russell's haunting lyrics have caused me to shed a tear.

So I was feeling very emotional last night but held it together until it came to the final curtain when after the cast had taken their bows and a large screen was flown in. One by one pictures appeared of cast members who have performed  at the Phoenix, until the end when the final three artists: the late Robert Locke, Carl Wayne and Stephanie Lawrence appeared.

But was the rendition of  the final verse of Tell Me It's Not True being sung  a capella  with the house lights up that finished me off ...

Sierra Boggess' Phantom Broadway Performances Confirmed

As already mentioned, Sierra Boggess is set to join the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera for its 25th anniversary. The dates have now been set for her performances of Christine Daae when she joins the show on January 21st at the Majestic Theatre through to March 2nd 2013.

Sierra will play shows Tuesday to Saturday evenings as well as the Saturday matinee, with Christine alternate Samantha Hill performing on Monday evenings and Wednesday matinees.

She is currently playing Fantine in the London production of Les Miserables which she leaves on 10th January with Dutch actress Celinde Schoenmaker taking over the role and making her West End debut on the 14th.

Loserville touring overseas after Garrick Closure?

As mentioned earlier this morning, the new British musical Loserville has posted early closing notices at the West End’s Garrick Theatre and will close on 5th  January 2013 after a run of over three months.

Written by by Elliot Davis and Busted's James Bourne it opened in London premiere on 17th  October (previews from the 1st) and had originally been booking until 2nd March 2013. 

Tickets for Loserville are currently available from just £10.00.

In a statement producers Teresa and Craig Beech said: “We are incredibly proud of Loserville. The creative team worked tirelessly to deliver an imaginative show, full of heart, which is fun for the whole family. Our young cast are immensely talented, energetic, passionate, and dedicated, delivering vibrant performances every single show. Our exceptional band consistently rocks the house. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have them all.
 
There has been quite a bit of interest expressed in the show from abroad, and we are currently in negotiations for our first overseas production, the first of, what we hope are, many to come. We would like to thank everyone that has supported the show. Fans have travelled far, with many seeing the show more than once, and for your dedication, we are eternally grateful. There are eight more weeks to see Loserville at the Garrick – come and enjoy this fun original British musical with its exuberant cast and band. Let us put a smile on your face!”

No further productions have yet been announced for the Garrick.

Mark Evans in US Tour of The Book of Mormon

With the breaking casting news yesterday for The Book Of Mormon in London, it has now been revealed that Mark Evans is replacing Gavin Creel as Elder Price in the US tour for six months.

As already mentioned, Gavin Creel is heading to the West End to reprise his role at the Prince of Wales Theatare in February next year.

Mark Evans most recently appeared in London as Sam Wheat in Ghost at the Piccadilly.  Previous musical theatre credits include  Fiyero in Wicked!, Curly in Oklahoma!, Brad in the Rocky Horror Show, Troy in High School Musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Spamalot at the Palace Theatre.

Cast Breakdown for The Book of Mormon

The West End cast of the hit Broadway musical The Book Of Mormon will feature American actors in the two key roles with Gavin Creel and Jared Gertner playing Elder Price and Elder Cunningham. They are currently leading the company in the Los Angeles production.  The show opens in the West End at the Prince of Wales Theatre on  25th February 2013.

American actors have been cast because the producers insisted on having the "real thing". Sonia Friedman said about the straitlaced Elder Price (Mitt Romney)  type character;  "He’s that sort of square-jawed Mormon, and you can’t create that all-American look. It became clear early on during the audition process in London that we needed the real thing"

Gavin Creel was last in the West End as Claude in Hair at the Gielgud Theatre and as Bert in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre. He received Tony Award® nominations for his roles in the Broadway productions of Hair and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Jared Gertner will be making his West End debut.  He was a member of the original Tony Award-winning Broadway company.

Other cast members include: : Stephen Ashfield/Elder McKinley/Moroni: Daniel Buckley/Stand by Elder Cunningham: Chris Jarman/General: Alexia Khadime/Nabulungi: Haydn Oakley/Prices's Dad & Others and Giles Terera/Mafala Hatimbi.

They are joined by ensemble members Ashley Day, Mark Anderson, Daniel Clift, Patrick George,
Nadine Higgin, Tyrone Huntley, Daniel MacKinlay, Terel Nugent, Kayi Ushe, Tosh Wanogho-Maud, Olivia Phillip, Michael Kent, Liam Wrate and Matt Krzan/swing/dance captain, Lucy St Louis/swing/assistant dance captain and swings Benjamin Brook, Candace Furbert, Terry Doe, Evan James, Oliver Lidert and Luke Newton.

Shayne Ward Dancing on Ice

Update 13th December:  Shayne to appear in Dancing on Ice which returns at 6.15pm on Sunday 6th January

Former X Factor winner Shayne Ward has just completed a successful run in Rock of Ages at London's Shaftesbury Theatre and has now reportedly  signed up for the next series of the ITV1 show Dancing on Ice which airs in January.

Training sessions are already underway and a source said: "Shayne has natural rhythm and is confident he'll really get into skating. But he's most concerned about pulling off the pink sequinned spandex look."

More Casting for Priscilla Queen of the Desert Tour

As already mentioned, Jason Donovan will be reprising the role of Tick/Mitzi (which he played in the West End) in the tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

More casting news is that  Richard Grieve (best known as gay farrier Jonny Foster in Emmerdale) will play Bernadette. (He has also appeared in the show in the West End playing Tick/Mitzi) .  

Graham Weaver is Felicia (he originally understudied the role in the London production).

Brian Conley going into Jungle for I'm a Celebrity ...

Brian Conley has just finished playing Fagin on the tour of Oliver! and is due to appear in  panto as Robinson Crusoe at the Birmingham Hippodrome over Christmas.

But it has just been announced that he is somehow managing to fit in a trip to the Jungle to appear in "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here" which starts filming in Australia this weekend.

Brian is a close friend of fI'm A Celeb presenters Ant and Dec and  has reportedly said: "I asked Ant and Dec whether they'd advise me to do I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and they said, Don't!'"

 But it seems he ignored their advice!

Corrie's Vicky Entwistle to Join LesMis

Corrie’s Vicky Entwistle (she played loud mouthed knicker-stitcher Janice Battersby in the soap) is currently on a tour of The Vagina Monologues, but is then due to move into musical theatre taking over the role of Madame Thenardier from Linzi Hateley in Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre in London from 28^th January 2013.

New Strictly Partner for Denise Van Outen?

Denise van Outen’s Strictly Come Dancing pro dancing partner James Jordan tripped down a step just before they danced on last Saturday’s show and hurt his ankle

The injury has left him unable to walk and he has been missing training for this weekend’s show meaning Denise has been rehearsing with former regular Ian Waite.

Jordan has said he will be back on the show this week "even if it kills me".

This Saturday's show will feature the cast of Flavia Cacace's and Vincent Simone's Midnight Tango which which starts previews at the Phoenix Theatre on 30th January and runs for five weeks until 2nd March.  Russell Grant will appear in the show playing Argentinian bar owner Carlos..

Russell Grant Joining Strictly's Flavia and Vincent in Midnight Tango

Russell Grant is currently playing Teen Angel in the tour of Grease the musical and is due to appear in panto in Peter Pan at Aylesbury over the Christmas and New Year period.

He is then reuniting with his Strictly Come Dancing partner Flavia Cacace when he joins her and Vincent Simone in their West End return of Midnight Tango which runs for a limited season at the Phoenix Theatre from 30th January to 2nd March 2013 prior to going on a UK tour which opens in Eastbourne on 13th March.

Grant will play Argentinian bar owner Carlos in the show and producer and former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips said: "Russell's partnership with Flavia is well known, but I too have had a dance partnership with Russell, which began with his appearance in the title role of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium, followed by playing Teen Angel in the current national tour of Grease, and I'm delighted we now have a third partnership."

Phillips and co-producer Adam Spiegel also announced  that they are rescheduling the press night to tie in with Grant's birthday on 5th February.

Wicked! To Tour Next Year

The musical Wicked! has recently undergone a cast change at the Apollo Victoria Theatre with Louise Dearman and Ben Freeman taking over as Elphaba and Fiyero.

It has just been announced that next year Wicked! is going on a major tour of the UK and Ireland opening at the Palace Theatre in Manchester on 12th September 2013. Public booking will open on 19th November 2012.

The London production  is currently booking until 2nd November 2013.

Further tour dates and casting will be announced at a later date.

Cast for My Fair Lady at Sheffield

Full casting has been announced for the Sheffield Crucible Christmas musical Mr Fair Lady which runs there from Thursday 13th December 2012 – Sat 26 January 2013.

Carly Bawden/Eliza Doolittle, Dominic West/Professor Higgins, Anthony Calf (New Tricks, Upstairs Downstairs)/Colonel Pickering, Richenda Carey (Monarch of the Glen)/Mrs Higgins and Martyn Ellis (Guys and Dolls) as Alfred Doolittle.

Joining them are Chris Bennett (Harry),  Joanna Lee Martin (Mrs Hopkins),  Louis Maskell (Freddy Eynsford-Hill), Laura Medforth (Mrs Eynsford-Hill), Carl Sanderson (Jamie), Nicola Sloane (Mrs Pearce) and ensemble members Carly Anderson, Nick Butcher, Matthew Clark, John Coates,  Adam Dutton, Emily Goodenough, Victoria Hinde, Adam Jones, Matthew Malthouse, Stephen Whitson and Anna Woodside.

Book tickets for My Fair Lady

Meet Lee Mead Next Thursday

West End leading man Lee Mead is currently performing in a series of West End Men Concerts before heading off to Southampton for their Christmas pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.

He is switching on the Christmas lights and starting the firework spectacular at the Harlequin Centre in Watford next Thursday November 8th between 18:00 - 19:00

Lee will be signing autographs after the lights switch on. If you would like to meet him then pick up a wrist band from the Customer Information Desk from 4:00 pm. Get there early as there is a limited number of just 150.

Janie Dee and Sian Phillips in new musical at Sheffield

Daniel Evans has announced his new season at Sheffield Theatres which includes a new musical comedy which he will direct (This is My Family) by Tim Firth who wrote Calendar Girls.

Running from 24th June to 20th July 2013 (previews from 20th June), it tells the story of a teenager who enters a writing competition to win a holiday for her dysfunctional family.  But is there anywhere on earth she could take them that might make a difference?

The cast of This is My Family includes Bill Champion (Steve), Janie Dee (Yvonne), Evelyn Hoskins (Nicky), Terence Keeley (Matt), Rachel Lumberg (Sian) and Sian Phillips (May).

Booking opens shortly for This is My Family