Killian Donnelly Playing Deco in The Commitments

I am a great fan of West End leading man Killian Donnelly and felt very disappointed when Baz in the Mail revealed on Friday that he was in the ensemble of the new Roddy Doyle musical The Commitments.

But the truth came out last night when Killian was interviewed on the Miriam O'Callaghan show on Irish television and said he would actually be playing a lead role as Declan "Deco" Cuffe, lead singer of the band.

You can hear Killian singing I Heard it Through the Grapevine on last night's show followed by the interview when he talks about auditioning for The Commitments and the LesMis movie and Oscar performance.

Buy tickets for The Commitments (preview tickets are currently on sale at half price) previews start on 21st September before opening on 8th October 2013. It is booking until 26th January 2014

New Andrew Lloyd Webber Stephen Ward Musical Opens at Aldwych in December

Andrew Lloyd Webber's new Stephen Ward musical based on the Profumo Affair will open at the Aldwych Theatre on 19th  December 2013 (previews from 3rd December).

It will be directed Directed by Richard Eyre and is the first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyricist Don Black and playwright Christopher Hampton (who has written the book) since their 1993 musical Sunset Boulevard. Lloyd Webber and Black have also worked together on Tell Me on a Sunday (1980) and Aspects of Love (1989).

Stephen Ward's part in the 1963 scandal is that he was the fashionable osteopath and party arranger for the aristocracy who introduced politician John Profumo to Christine Keeler (a call girl and the reputed mistress of an alleged Soviet spy) at the Cliveden  country house party. Ward committed suicide on the last day of the court trial which damaged the reputation of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan's government. Profumo resigned followed by Macmillan a few months later because of ill health.

The  production will be designed by Rob Howell with choreography by Stephen Mear, lighting by Peter Mumford and sound by Paul Groothuis. The musical is produced by Robert Fox Limited and the Really Useful Group.

Casting is still to be announced,  but as already blogged Alexander Hanson who took part in the workshops is currently in negotations to play the lead role.

Tickets for Stephen Ward the Musical which is currently booking until March 1st 2014.

24 Hour Ticket Sale Meal + Show Only £24

Meal + Show Only £24

24 Hour Meal + Show Sale starts, 10:00am Thursday 27th June and Finishes 10:00am 28th June.

Shows Include:

    Rock of Ages
    The Hothouse
    Mamma Mia!
    Viva Forever!
    One Man, Two Guvnors
    Burn The Floor
    Spamalot
    Passion Play
    The Woman In Black
    Relatively Speaking
    The 39 Steps
    Merrily We Roll Along
    The Ladykillers
    Fences
    Children of The Sun

Click here for more details and to book a special meal deal

Julie Atherton & Keith Jack A Night at the Musicals

Updated 17th July: Carley Stenson (Hollyoaks, Legally Blonde, Shrek) now joining line up as guest singer on Friday.

Updated 2nd July: Julie Atherton, best known for her roles in Avenue Q and Sister Act, will now be joining the line up.  Zoe Birkett has had to pull out due to unforeseen circumstances.

 Multi Award Winning Sell A Door Theatre Company are presenting A Night at the Musicals featuring  musical theatre stars including Keith Jack (BBC’s Any Dream Will Do), David Hunter (ITV’s Superstar) and Stacey McClean (S Club Juniors). Keith is also shortly to appear in another Sell A Door production Sincerely, Mr Toad which is a new musical about the life of Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame.

Be prepared for an evening of glitz, glamour and toe-tapping tunes from Broadway and the West End revisiting old favourites and presenting new treasures.

A Night At the Musicals is being performed on 19th and 20th July at 8:00 pm at Greenwich Theatre

All tickets priced at £25 include a free glass of champagne and canapés.Tickets go on sale today from www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Clarke Peters Songs I Love To Sing at Pheasantry

The fabulous Clarke Peters will be appearing at The Pheasantry on the Kings Road for four nights from July 8th-11th performing "Songs I Love To Sing".

One of his first stage credits was for the West End production Bubbling Brown Sugar in 1977 followed by Blues In The Night, Witches of Eastwick, & Chess.  I first saw him in 1990 in the fabulous production  Five Guys Named Mo which he  wroteand appeared in both in the UK and on Broadway (earning him an Olivier Award and Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical) . Peters also appeared on Broadway in The Iceman Cometh and as lawyer Billy Flynn in the revival of Chicago in 2000/2003. 

In the West End he played Porgy in the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess (2006), for which he also earned an Olivier Award Best Actor In A Musical Nomination, and in 2011 Peters played the title role in Shakespeare’s Othello at the Sheffield Crucible opposite his Wire co-star Dominic West.

Film and TV credits include Det. Lester Freamon The Wire (2002-08): Damages (2009) alongside Glenn Close: The Corner: Treme:  Holby City and Doctor Who.  Other work includes Marley & Me (2008): Nelson Mandala in Endgame: Nativity: Spike Lee’s Red Hook Summer: Person of Interest with Jim Caviezel and he is appearing in Race: a new David Mamet play at  Hampstead Theatre plus  Shooting the Bio Pic of Marvin Gaye.

Show Time 8:30pm / Doors Open 7:00pm / Price: £30.00 per person

Tickets at: www.pizzaexpresslive.com

Robert Lonsdale Cast in Montgomery Clift Role in From Here to Eternity

The first bit of casting for the new Tim Rice musical From Here to Eternity was revealed this weekend at West End Live in Trafalgar Square when Robert Lonsdale stepped on to the stage to perform a song from the show titled "Fight The Fight". (Previewed by Michael Ball on his new  Both Sides Now album).

Lonsdale is the bugle playing Private Robert E Lee Prewitt (performed by Montgomery Clift  in the 1953 Oscar winning film). He was introduced by Tim Rice who described him as "a young man with enormous talent". He has recently appeared in Brilliant Adventures at the Royal Court, A Life at the Finborough and Anna Christie (with  Jude Law and Ruth Wilson) at the Donmar.

You can hear him talking about the show here.

From Here to Eternity opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 23rd October (previews from 30th September).

Charlie and the Chocolate ... Backstage Sky1 on Saturday

With Charlie & the Chocolate Factory due to open tonight (hopefully to rave reviews) you can watch Charlie & the Chocolate ... Backstage  on Sky1 this Saturday 29th June at 2:30 pm.

The 30 minute programme takes you behind the scenes of the West End musical directed by Oscar winner Sam Mendes, starring Douglas Hodge as Willy Wonka and Nigel Planer as Grandpa Joe.

A Chorus Line London Cast Recording in September

Updated 11th July: sadly this cast recording will no longer take place
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With the sad news that A Chorus Line is to close at the end of August comes the promise that it will tour the UK in Autumn 2014 and that a London cast  recording is due to be released on 16th September.

The final tracks are still being put together and it should be the full show plus bonus tracks by the late and great Marvin Hamlish which have not previously been released.

If you want to catch the show before it closes you can get greatly reduced tickets here.

Miss Saigon Open Auditions in London

As already announced, Miss Saigon is to open at the Prince Edward Theatre in May next year with rehearsals starting in the Spring.

Auditions have already been held in Manila and now open auditions for East and Southeast Asian actors, singers and dancers are to be held in London on  July 1st and 2nd.

Casting call details as follow:

• Males and females
• East Asian/Southeast Asian actors, singers and dancers
• Excellent vocal and dance abilities.
• available to start rehearsals in early Spring 2014 for a one-year contract.
• Must have a valid UK/EU passport or already have a full working visa for the UK during the entirety of the contract.

To get an appointment  send resume and photo to: saigoncasting@camack.co.uk or to:

MISS SAIGON Casting
Cameron Mackintosh Ltd.
1 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3RB

New Dusty Springfield Musical

A new musical based on the life of the late Dusty Springfield (she died of breast cancer in 1999 aged 59) is in the planning stages to open in the West End next year.

Sandi Toksvig has been contracted to write the script by producers Vicki Wickham (friend and former manager of Dusty) and David Ian (The Bodyguard).

Ms Wickham said that there have been numerous, really bad shows and scripts about Dusty. I keep going to these and coming out going: Yes, the music’s great - but it has nothing to do with Dusty! Wickham stressed it would be a proper musical and not a jukebox show, showing the light and dark side of her personality: But I promise you, you’ll come out happy and singing. Dusty was extraordinary. Yes, she could drive you mad - all divas do. But there’s such a lovely side to her that should, and will, be told.

It will tell will be the story of Dusty’s life from when she was known as Mary O’Brien, her time with the Springfields, through to her success as a solo artist with classic songs including  Son Of A Preacher Man, I Only Want To Be With You, Wishin’ And Hopin’, and Yesterday When I Was Young. It will only feature numbers associated with Dusty.

The show is yet to be given a name and is without a director. Producers are  hoping for a reading in the autumn.

£20 Sale of Theatre Tickets Now On

lastminute.com are running £20 Theatre Sale for 24 Hours until 10:00am on Friday 21st June

Participating shows include:

    A Chorus Line - The London Palladium
    The Resistable Rise of Aturo Ui - Duchess Theatre
    Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain Part 1 - Garrick Theatre
    Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain Part 2 - Garrick Theatre
    Been on Broadway - Duchess Theatre
    Braniac Live! Science Abuse - Palace Theatre
    Burn The Floor - Shaftesbury Theatre
    Carnaby Street - The Musical - New Wimbledon Theatre
    Children of The Sun - National Theatre
    Fences - Duchess Theatre
    Gabriel written by Samuel Adamson tickets - Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
    Let It Be - The Savoy Theatre
    Limbo - The London Wonderground - Udderbelly Festival
    Patti LuPone - The Leicester Square Theatre - Main House
    Passion Play - Duke of York Theatre
    Peter Pan Arena Tour - The Never Ending Story
    Reduced Shakespeare Company: Complete Works - The Leicester Square Theatre - Main House
    Relatively Speaking - Wyndhams Theatre
    Stomp - Ambassadors Theatre
    Spamalot - Playhouse Theatre
    Strange Interlude - Lyttleton Theatre, National Theatre
    The 39 Steps - The Criterion Theatre
    Top Hat - Aldwych Theatre
    Travels with My Aunt - The Menier Chocolate Factory
    The Woman In Black - The Fortune Theatre
    
Book tickets

New Olivier Award for Musical Supervisors and Orchestrators

Musical supervisors and orchestrators will be honoured at next year's Olivier Awards in a brand new prize category which recognises outstanding achievement in music “bringing together potential nominations across the music fields including composition of original music for plays, orchestration and musical supervision/direction”.

Campaigner Mike Dixon (We Will Rock You and The Bodyguard)  said: “The most important aspect of this award is that finally the Oliviers are respecting the fact that music and musicians play a central role in musical theatre. After a couple of years campaigning for some recognition for musical supervisors and musical directors I am really pleased that from next year there is an award that recognises the huge contribution to the industry that all musicians make.”

Next year’s Olivier Awards will take place on April 13th at the Royal Opera House. The cut off for eligible shows is February 25th.

Come Fly with Me Sammy Cahn Tribute

This week's Friday Night is Music Night is Come Fly with Me: A Sammy Cahn Tribute. 

It will be introduced by Don Black and broadcast on Friday 21st June at 8:00 pm with the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Broadway maestro Larry Blank, plus guest singers Curtis Stigers, Lance Ellington, Alison Jiear and Joe Stilgoe.

The late, great lyricist Sammy Cahn (he died in 1993) wrote over sixty hit songs for Frank Sinatra alone, including 'Come Fly With Me','All the Way', 'Call Me Irresponsible', 'High' Hopes and 'Three Coins in the Fountain'.

He was nominated for an Oscar 23 times and won 4. Doris Day, Nat King Cole, Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin all recorded and had hits with his songs.

Contemporary artists including Michael Buble, Jamie Cullum and Diana Krall still include his songs on their current albums.

Confirmed that Miss Saigon will open at Prince Edward in May 2014

Miss Saigon premiered at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1989, and is now due to return to the West End in May 2014 at the Prince Edward Theatre to mark its 25th anniversary. 

It will be directed by Laurence Connor who reconceived the musical for its UK and international tour,  and he also recently revamped Les Miserables (with James Powell) on its latest tour.

It is one of my favourite musicals so I was delighted to receive the hot off the press statement when producer Cameron Mackintosh said: I find it hard to believe that it is already 25 years since I first premiered Miss Saigon in London… Ten years ago I decided to reconceive the show in a completely re-imagined physical production that could play a far greater number of theatres than the original but still retains Bob Avian's legendary musical staging and the same scale of cast. As well as touring the UK with enormous success the new production directed by Laurence Connor has been seen in numerous countries around the world where it has been embraced by audiences and critics alike with as much enthusiasm as the original.

If anything the tragic love story of Miss Saigon has become even more relevant today. In the last 25 years our country has become involved in similar wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in the way we weren’t in Vietnam and the American Dream has been buffeted by the reality of recent history. The new production has taken a more gritty and realistic approach to the design than the operatic original but still delivers the power and epic sweep of Boublil and Schönberg's great score."

Of all my shows Miss Saigon is probably the one I have the most requests to bring back. For some years I have been waiting for the perfect theatre to house the new production. These requests are not only from a public who remembers seeing it originally but from a generation of new audiences who were too young (or not even born!) to get to see it. Now that the very successful Jersey Boys has decided to move to a more intimate theatre I now have the perfect theatre – The Prince Edward.

The revival will include the song "Maybe" that Schönberg and Boublil wrote for Ellen to sing in the second act and which has been included in the recent Dutch and Japanese productions. London audiences will be the first to hear the song in English.

Casting to be announced but priority booking opens on 2nd September with public booking from September 9th.

Preview of new Tim Rice Musical from here to Eternity this Saturday at West End Live

Audiences at this weekend’s free West End Live in Trafalgar Square will get a sneak preview of the new Tim Rice musical From Here To Eternity during their 10 minute slot at 15:10 on Saturday 22nd June.

The actor (name to be released)  playing the role of Private Robert E Lee Prewitt (made famous by Montgomery Clift in the 1953 film) will sing the rock-style number Fight The Fight.

From Here to Etermity starts previews at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 30th September and opens on 23rd October.

Ramin Karimloo, Hadley Fraser and Kerry Ellis to present on new Stage Door radio station

West End stars which so far include Ramin Karimloo, Hadley Fraser, Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman, Alex Gaumond, Mark Evans, Louise Bowden and Oliver Tompsett. are to present shows on a new  radio station dedicated to musical theatre which will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be accessible online.

Stage Door is a partnership between independent production company Wise Buddah (Terry Wogan’s BBC Radio 2 Sunday show) and agency Mothership Management, which represents a number of  musical theatre performers.

It has been estimated that the cost of running the station for the first year will be £145,000 which will hopefully raised with the help of an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign launched to encourage musical fans to pledge money.  The organisers say this will enable fans to “have a voice in deciding what content they want to hear and stop the station being dependent on investors who are looking for a return on their investment".

To encourage pledges they are offering incentives including singing lessons with one of the presenters and the chance to record a show for the station. To pledge money click on  this link.

Stage door launch video

Tour of Ghost to Finish Early

The touring production of  Ghost the musical was booked to visit Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre from June 17th-28th next year, but producers have announced that it will now end its tour in March 2014.

Miss Saigon to Open Later This Year in London

UPDATED 15:07 19th June: There is a new Miss Saigon announcement that is embargoed until midnight with some corrections to previous reports.Watch this space ...
...............

In an article in the New York Post theatre columnist Michael Riedel has confirmed that Miss Saigon will open in London later this year, probably in Cameron Mackintosh's Prince Edward Theatre (currently home to The Jersey Boys).
The second batch of auditions are currently underway in the Phillipines with the co-directors of  the revival will be Laurence Connor and James Powell, who also co-directed the revival of Les Miserables which will hit Broadway in 2014.

Sheridan Smith in ITV's The Widower

Sheridan Smith has been cast in upcoming ITV drama The Widower alongside John Hannah, Alex Ferns, Scott Ainslie, Paul Blair, Kate Fleetwood, Kate Arneil, Alan Convy, Ian Cairns and Reece Shearsmith.

The Widower is written by Neil McKay (who wrote Bafta-winning drama Appropriate Adult) and tells the true story of Malcolm Webster who was convicted of murdering his first wife and later attempting to murder his second wife.

It will comprise of three one-hour episodes, which are being directed by Paul Whittington.

Kids Week Booking Opens Next Tuesday

Booking opens for Kids Week next Tuesday 18th June at 10:00 am.

Children aged 16 can go and see a participating London show for FREE in August when accompanied by a full paying adult. You can also purchase up to two extra children’s tickets at half price.

Participating shows include:  Wicked!, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Disney's The Lion King, Horrible Histories  - Barmy Britain, Let It Be Beatles musical, Mamma Mia!, Matilda the Musical, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Thriller Live, Stomp, Top Hat and West Side Story.

You can find out more and book tickets here

Jersey Boys Moving to Piccadilly Theatre Next Year

The Jersey Boys musical is to transfer from the Prince Edward to the Piccadilly Theatre next March. It is currently booking at the Prince Edward to 16th February 2014.

The show opened at the Prince Edward in 2008 and will follow Dirty Dancing which starts previews at the Picadilly there on 13th July and is currently booking to 22nd February 2014. It goes in following the closure of the Spice Girls Musical Viva Forever at the end of this month.

No further productions have been announced for the Prince Edward, but the current rumours are either a West End transfer of the Disney musical Newsies or the return of Miss Saigon which has been holding auditions in the Phillipines with a view to a West End revival.

Les Miserables Cast from 17th June

Principals: Geronimo Rauch - Jean Valjean / Daniel Koek - Jean Valjean (Alternate) /Tam Mutu - Javert /Na-Young Jeon - Fantine /Wendy Ferguson - Mme Thénardier / Cameron Blakely - Thénardier /Rob Houchen - Marius /Carrie Fletcher - Eponine /Samantha Dorsey - Cosette /Anton Zetterholm - Enjolras

Ensemble & Swings: Koko Basigara, Rosanna Bates, Niall Sheehy, Ethan Bradshaw, Melanie Bright, Josie Brightwell, Dougie Carter, Jade Louise Davies, Lee Dillon-Stuart, James Gant, Carolina Gregory, Katy Hanna,Dayle Hodge, Chris Holland, Sarah Lark.Adam Linstead ,  Rhidian Marc, George Miller, Carl Mullaney, Jenny O'Leary, Jonny Purchase, Leo Roberts, Nicky Swift.

Beverley Knight & Tristan Gemmill New Leads in The Bodyguard

The fabulous soul diva Beverley Knight is set to make her West End debut in The Bodyguard  musical at the Adelphi Theatre when she takes over the role of Rachel Marron that Whitney Houston made famous on 9th September.

The amazing Heather Headley leaves the show on 10th August and Gloria Onitiri will play the role from 12th August-7th September inclusive. She is returning to the States and will star in the Broadway production that is expected to open late next year or early 2015.

Tristan Gemmill is taking over the role of The Bodyguard Frank Farmer from Lloyd Owen who leaves the show on 7th September.  Gemmill is best known for his television roles including Dr Adam Trueman in Casualty, Family Affairs, Where the Heart Is ,Grass, Kay Mellor's drama series Strictly Confidential,  DC Mitch Cowen in EastEnders and The Bill.

Last year he filmed the fantasy adventure movie Mariah Mundi and the Midas Box playing the role of Isambard Black which is  scheduled for release this year.

Debbie Kurup continues in the role of Nicki Marron. 

Other new cast members includes Richard Lloyd King (Bill Devaney), Stephen Marcus (Tony), Dominic Taylor (Sy Spector), Michael Rouse (Stalker) and Stuart Reid (Ray Court).

Ensemble members are Gareth Andrews, Kimball Armes, Christopher Birch, Hannah Fairclough, Robert Gill, Nicky Griff iths, Ben Harrold, Jamie Hughes-Ward, Alex Jackson, Genesis Lynea, Fergal McGoff, Sara Morley, Joelle Moses, David O’Mahoney, Stuart Rogers, Kyle Seeley, Danielle Steers, Katy Stredder, Christopher Terry.

Casting Announced for (title of show) at Landor

Update 8th July: The cast has just been announced for (title of show) with Simon Bailey as ‘Jeff’, Scott Garnham as ‘Hunter’, Sarah Galbraith as ‘Susan’ and Sophia Ragavelas as ‘Heidi’.

Scott Garnham most recently appeared as ‘Mr Lindquist’ in “A Little Night Music - in Concert” at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Prior to this he played ‘Feuilly’ and covered the roles of ‘Marius’ and ‘Enjolras’ in “Les Misérables” at the Queens Theatre. Other theatre credits include the “Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert at The O2”, ‘Ronan Corr’ in the West End and UK touring productions of “Eurobeat” and ‘Jose Reize’ in the UK tour of “Never Forget”.

Originally from the USA, Sarah Galbraith has performed in all three US productions of “The Phantom of the Opera”, as a Swing in the Broadway Production, as cover “Madame Giry” in the National Tour, and as cover “Christine” in the Las Vegas Production. Other theatre credits include ‘Johanna’ in “Sweeney Todd” at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, ‘Carrie’ in the US Tour of “Carousel” and ‘Ariel’ in a Japanese concert tour of “The Little Mermaid”. Theatre credits in London include ‘Florence’ in “Chess” and ‘Rita’ in “Steel Pier”, both at the Union Theatre, and “The Night of 1000 Voices” at the Royal Albert Hall.

Sophia Ragavelas was recently seen in “20th Century Boy” at the Coventry Belgrade Theatre. Her many West End credits include ‘Chloe’ in “Never Forget” at the Savoy Theatre, ‘Fantine’ in “Les Misérables” at the Queens Theatre, ‘Sophie’ in “Mamma Mia!” at the Prince of Wales Theatre, ‘Eponine’ in “Les Misérables” at the Palace Theatre, ‘Marcy Wills’ in “The Witches of Eastwick” at the Prince of Wales Theatre and “The Lion King” at the Lyceum Theatre.
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After plans to open in the West End in 2011 and again in 2013 both failed the Broadway musical [title of show] will receive its UK premiere at the Landor Theatre from 7th  August-14th September. (Press night 12th August).

Three Weeks. Two friends. One original musical. [title of show] is a musical comedy about Hunter and Jeff who are two struggling writers who decide to create a new musical for the inaugural New York Musical Theatre Festival.

With a three week deadline looming and nothing to lose they decide to try and create the show of their dreams, but soon realise that their mad dash to put pen to paper is infinitely more entertaining than the show they are writing.

Their struggle to write a hit becomes the subject of the show, and so [title of show] is born, taking its name from the ominous space on the festival’s application form. Chronicling its own creation and the real life story of Hunter and Jeff’s journey to seeing their musical produced, [title of show] is a love letter to musical theatre, following your dreams, and daring to believe that you can actually get paid to do what you love.

(title of show) is written by Hunter Bell, with music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen. It is directed by Robert McWhir with musical direction by Michael Webborn.

Tickets for (title of show)

Protest Over Russell Crowe's Performance in LesMis Film?

There were very mixed reviews over Russell Crowe's singing prowess compared to the rest of the cast in the film of Les Miserables and one unkind soul desmonstrated this by turning his mic up higher than anyone else's when they performanced at the Oscars ...

And now it seems the protest goes on as according to an article in the Telegraph police frogmen were called to the River Avon at Salford near Bath where a body was seen floating.  But what they pulled ashore was a life size dummy of Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert which was used when they filmed the suicide scene in the city last autumn!

Douglas Hodge on Playing Willy Wonka

Mark Shenton interviewed Douglas Hodge of Willy Wonka fame last week and in his article in yesterday 's Express he revealed that more changes are being introduced during the previews of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory including a giant glass elevator and a big new effect.

Hodge has been involved in the development of the show with scenes and lyrics being changed all the time with him and director Sam Mendes having just written a new little scene.

The show opens on 25th June and Hodge revealed he is getting fit for the demands of the role: “I’ve lost a stone just during rehearsals. You have to be fit to do it, plus I think of him as very light and dainty and nimble, with a slighter build than I have.”  He also has to be careful with his voice “I have a massive number at the end of the first act, and five big ones in the second half when I don’t leave the stage. So I have to live like a monk!”

The wall in his dressing room has photos of artistes who have given him inspiration for the creation of the role. They include David Bowie: “He’s always been an oddball, slightly separate from everybody else, slender, slight and enigmatic. He disappeared but he recently re-emerged, as Wonka does, too, after shutting down his factory.” There’s also Michael Jackson, “who had a strange innocence and childishness”.

Gareth Gates, Jonathan Ansell and Shane Richie in A Night To Remember Charity Gala

Updated 20th June: Ex G4 Tenor and musical theatre star Jonathan Ansell has now joined the line up.

The second Annual Gala  for the charity www.hearingfund.org.uk will be held at The Grand Theatre Leeds on September 1st  at 7.30pm.

Co-presenting the evening will be Shane Richie and Fiona Phillips with performances by The Merrill Osmond Family, Chico, Louisa Lytton, Shane Richie Jr, the Northern Ballet plus many more special guests and surprises.

The Hearing Fund UK is described as “Olive Osmond’s dream of Bringing Music to your Ears” and is a charity which exists to raise funds and raise awareness for deaf children and their families here in the UK.

Tickets for A Night To Remember

Phil Davis No Longer Playing Fagin in Oliver! at Crucible

Updated 24th September.  Phil Davis is no longer playing Oliver! at the Crucible with Tom Edden (One Man, Two Guvnors) now stepping into the role. A spokesman said Davis has had to withdraw "for family reasons".
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 The excellent character actor and director Phil Davis is playing  Fagin in Lionel Bart's Oliver! at the Crucible Theatre Sheffield from November 29th until January 25th.

Davis has a plethora of TV and film credits which would take pages to list, but no musical theatre credits that I can find. In 1980 recorded 'Blown It' which was released on Elton John's Rocket Records.   

He is currently filming Mike Leigh’s movie, Turner, about the artist J. M. W. Turner which is due for release next year with Timothy Spall playing the lead role.  

The production will be directed by Daniel Evans, Sheffield's Artistic Director with more casting to be announced.

Tickets for Oliver!

Casting Announced for Tour of Wicked!

The principals casting has been announced for the tour of Wicked! which starts in September.

Nikki Davis-Jones and Emily Tierney will play the witches Elphaba and Glinda, Liam Doyle is Fiyero with George Ure is Boq.

Marilyn Cutts will play Madame Morrible, Dale Rapley is The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond, Carina Gillespie is Nessarose and Jemma Alexander the Standby Elphaba.

Emily Tierney played Glinda in ALW's The Wizard of Oz at the Palladium and has also appeared in Wicked! in London's West End.  Other credits include All the Fun of the Fair, West Side Story and Titanic - The Musical.

Nikki Davis-Jones was standby Elphaba in Wicked! with other stage credits including Rent (20th anniversary tour), Lift (Soho Theatre) and Peter Pan (Liverpool Empire).

Gary Barlow Writing New Songs for Finding Neverland

The musical Finding Neverland is based on a movie of the same name that starred Johnny Depp as Barrie and Kate Winslet as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, whose four sons befriended the author.

It ran at the Curve Theatre in Leicester last September .with a West End run mooted  starring Julian Ovenden as Peter Pan author J M Barrie and Rosalie Craig as  Sylvia Llewellyn Davies (mother of the boys).

It had pretty mixed reviews with producer Harvey Weinstein saying at the time: “The show needs to get better. Everyone pretty much concurred that it’s Act I that needs fixing, the first 20 minutes especially, as we figure out the best ways to introduce the characters, set up their relationships".

He also blamed himself for cutting a character played by Dustin Hoffman in the movie who provided bursts of humour saying “That character gave the production levity, so restoring him is one of the first things we’ll try."

Well it now looks as though Mr Weinstein is ready for the resurrection with Gary Barlow now on board writing new songs.  According to Baz in today's Mail he has already written five songs to add to the the score of existing composer and musical arranger Scott Frankel and lyricist Michael Korie. Several of the numbers they originally wrote have been dropped with Weinstein saying:  "We love what Gary’s written. There’s one number he’s written for Act 2 that’s hummable right away — it’s really melodic."

James Graham, who wrote the National Theatre’s hit This House, has been hired to re-write the book in the hope that it will be ready to open in London's West in the Spring.

The creative team meet up in the next few days to review the new songs and book and prepare for a concept album that will be recorded for release over Christmas or in January. Weinstein is hoping that  Johnny Depp and  Dustin Hoffman will narrate the album.

Weinstein also revealed that  Julian Ovenden, Rosalie Craig and other Leicester cast members will be considered for the West End.

Les Miserables Cast Changes

At last some confirmation of the major cast changes which are taking place at Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre on 17th June.

Making their West End debuts will be Na-Young Jeon as Fantine, Rob Houchen as Marius and Anton Zetterholm as Enjolras. Carrie Hope Fletcher was young Eponine in 2001 and is now about to play the grown up version. Wendy Ferguson who recently played Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera takes on Madame Thénardier

Na-Young Jeon recently played Kim in Miss Saigon in the Netherlands with other credits including Bianca in Kiss Me, Kate. Rob Houchen trained at Guildford School of Acting and after graduating toured Germany with The 12 Tenors. Carrie Hope Fletcher's West End credits include Jemima Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Palladium and Jane Banks in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward. Swedish born Anton Zetterholm’s European credits include Tarzan in Disney’s Tarzan, Fiyero in Wicked, Alfred in Dance of the Vampires and Rudolf in Elisabeth.

They join the current cast of Geronimo Rauch/Jean Valjean,  Tam Mutu/Javert, Cameron Blakely/M. Thenardier and Samantha Dorsey/Cosette.

Departing cast members include Danielle Hope/Eponine: Jamie Ward/Marius: Celinde Schoenmaker/Fantine and  Vicky Entwistle/Madame Thenardier.

Keith Jack to Star in Sincerely, Mr Toad Kenneth Grahame Musical

Updated 25th June:  Cast now announced: Keith Jack/Alastair (Mouse): Adam Venus/Kenneth Grahame:  Kirsty Marie Ayers/Beth: Sarah Borges/Elspeth Grahame: Emma Salvo/Mother. Ensemble: Kayleigh Louise Smith/Edna/Ensemble: Julia Cave/Bernadette/Ensemble with Jamie Jukes. Gracie Hughes, Luke Foster and Gareth James Healey
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Keith Jack was runner up on Andrew Lloyd Webber's Any Dream Will Do and since then has spent two years on the road playing the lead in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor. He is currently guesting at in An Intimate Evening with Ruthie Henshall while it is in Scotland and then goes onto  star in a new musical about the life of author Kenneth Grahame

With music by David Andrew Wilson, lyrics by Wilson and Katie McIvor and a book by David Hutchinson, Sincerely, Mr Toad charts the turbulent life of the author of The Wind in the Willows and his relationship with his son Alastair (Keith Jack).

Sincerely, Mr Toad previews at Southhill Park Theatre on 25th-26th July, before spending a month at the Queen Dome (The Pleasance) at Edinburgh Fringe Festival from 31st July-25th August. The show will then go to the Bathgate Regal on 26th August Beacon Arts Centre on 28th August, Dunfermline Alhambra on 31st August  before spending a week at Greenwich Theatre in London from 10th-14th September before ending at Crewe Lyceum on 16th-18th September .

It is Produced by Sell A Door theatre company in association with Greenwich Theatre.

West End Shows and Performers in West End Heroes Hosted by Brian Conley

On Sunday 23rd June at 8:30 pm the first West End Heroes gala performance in aid of Help for Heroes will be held at London's Dominion Theatre. Hosted by Brian Conley, it celebrates the greatest West End shows and the UK's finest military musicians.

The event will feature collaborative performances from RAF Squadronaires Big Band, Royal Marines Corp of Drums, Irish Guards Fanfare Team,  The Central Band of the Royal Air ForceWest End Shows We Will Rock You, War Horse, Spamalot, 42nd Street, Wicked, Stomp, Les Miserables, Some Like it Hip Hop and The Bodyguard with guest appearances from Joe McElderry, Daniel Boys, Shona Lindsay, Matt Little, Rachel Tucker, The Overtones, The Soldiers, The Spitfire Kids, Woman The Band and host Brian Conley.

Help for Heroes offers support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses whilst serving their country.

To book tickets visit westendheroes.com or telephone 0844 847 1775.

Top Hat Meal Deal Sale

Special Deal on Top Hat Tickets valid from today (Thursday 6th June) from 10:00am to Friday 7th June 10:00am.

Only £25 per person (Original face value ticket was up to £37.50) for Top Hat tickets (Grand Circle Seat) + Free Meal at either Smollensky’s or Kitchen Italia.

Hadley Fraser to Star in the Machine

Hadley Fraser ends his run playing the lead in The Pajama Game at Chichester this weekend and then
goes on to star as Russian chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov in the world premiere of Matt Charman's new play The Machine  at Campfield Market Hall as part of the Manchester Festival from 12th-21st July (previews from 10th July).

Produced and commissioned by Donmar Warehouse, Manchester International Festival, Park Avenue Armory, New York, it is directed by Josie Rourke (Donmar Warehouse artistic director) in a specially designed arena and  is based on Kasparov's 1997 New York chess tournament against Deep Blue, a super-computer developed by IBM in a bid to raise their stock price.

Francesca Annis will play his mother Clara and Kenneth Lee is Doctor Feng-Hsiung Tsu, the creator of chess machine Deep Blue.

The cast also includes: Lorenzo Allchurch, Antonia Bernath, Cornelius Booth, Nicholas Croucher, Daniel Harries, Rob Lines, David Mumeni, Phil Nichol, John Ramm, Lucille Sharp, Brian Sills and Trevor White.

Buy Tickets for The Machine

Sharon D Clarke, Clive Rowe, Emi Wokoma and Nikki Davis-Jones Blues in the Night

Blues in the Night is being performed at the Hackney Empire on Sunday 14th July at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

The powerhouse cast includes Sharon D Clarke (The Amen Corner, Ghost, Chicago, Rent,The Lion King ): Clive Rowe (The Hothouse, Kiss Me Kate, The Lady Killers):  Emi Wokoma (Soul Sister, Hairspray) and Nikki Davis-Jones (Wicked, Mamma Mia, Blood Brothers,'Rent).

Blues in the Night uses the great blues and jazz songs of the 1920s and 30s to explore the lives of three women and a saloon singer in a cheap hotel. The 26 songs celebrate Bessie Smith, Jimmy Cox, Duke Ellington, Alberta Hunter, Harold Arlen, Benny Goodman, Andy Razaf, Johnny Mercer with songs including 'When a Woman Loves a Man', 'Wasted Life Blues', 'Taking a Chance on Love', 'Lover Man' 'Kitchen Man' and the title song.

It was conceived and originally directed by Sheldon Epps. Staging will be by Frank Thompson, Musical Director is Mark Dickman, design is by Lotte Collett, with lighting by David Kidd. It was at the Donmar Warehouse in 1987 and transferred to the Piccadilly where it ran until July 1988 and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

Tickets for Blues in the Night

Natasha Hamilton Starring in New Rent in Concert Tour

Following its success in April of this year, the musical Rent is going on a 15 date concert tour again during the month of November opening at Blackpool Opera House on the 11th.

The last tour starred Kerry Ellis and Rory Taylor who will be reprising the role of  Roger on this new tour. He is currently appearing in the new tour of Jesus Christ Superstar which is in Australia prior to a UK arena tour in October. Paul Ayres/Mark and Ian Stroughair/Angel will also be returning,

And it has just been announced West End leading lady and Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton is joining this tour as sexy lesbian performance artist Maureen -  a role which has been made famous by Idina Menzel, Nicole Scherzinger and Denise Van Outen.

Natasha said; “I love Rent so I am made up to be playing the role of Maureen! She’s a great character…a little bit cheeky, flirtatious and injects some real comedy moments into the show.”

Tickets go on sale for the tour at 10:00 am this Friday 10th June.

Alexis Gerred, Daniella Bowen and Sean Needham lead cast of Madness Our House Musical

Updated 29th July:  The actor musician cast has now been announced featuring Alexis Gerred as Joe Casey, Daniella Bowen as Sarah, Sean Needham as Joe’s Dad, Rebecca Bainbridge as Kath Casey, Alex Spinney as Lewis, James Haggie as Emmo, Dominique Planter as Angie, Lloyd Gorman as Reecey and Steve Dorsett as Mr Pressman. The cast also includes Edward Handoll, Dan McGowan, Sophie Byrne and Nicole Bryan, with additional musicians Joey Hickman, Al Twist and Adam Longstaff.

Alexis Gerred’s West End credits include Bobby in Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Playhouse Theatre and Dirty White Boy in Dirty White Boy: Tales of Soho at Trafalgar Studios. Alexis also came second in the BBC’s Eurovision talent search Your Country Needs You. Daniella Bowen’s recent stage work includes Janey in Taboo at Brixton Clubhouse, understudy Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet at the Noel Coward Theatre, Laura in Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Playhouse Theatre and understudy Sally Bowles in the UK Tour of Cabaret. Sean Needham’s recent West End credits include covering the roles of Bill, Sam and Harry in Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre, cover Wizard and Dr. Dillamond in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and Norman Petty in Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story at the Duchess Theatre. Rebecca Bainbridge most recently understudied the role of Tanya in Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre. Other stage credits include Nurse Flinn in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest at Leicester Curve, understudy Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Lyric Theatre and Des’ree in the UK Tour of Tonight’s The Night. Alex Spinney makes his professional debut in Our House having recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music. James Haggie has appeared as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at the Birmingham Rep and New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, Joe in the UK Tour of Fame and in The Taming of the Shrew, Aladdin, Robin Hood and Cinderella at Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Dominique Planter joins the cast of Our House having recently graduated from the Arts University Bournemouth. Lloyd Gorman has recently appeared in Faust at Greenwich Theatre, Saturday Night at the Arts Theatre, and in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Sweeney Todd, Romeo and Juliet and David Copperfield at the Bolton Octagon Theatre. Steve Dorsett’s stage credits include Soul Man at the Stephen Joseph Theatre and The Big Bopper in the UK Tour of Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story.

The Madness musical Our House is going on tour starting at New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich on Fri 13th September to 5th October and then visiting Nottingham Theatre Royal (8th-12th October), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (15th-19th October), Bath Theatre Royal (21st-26th October), Coventry Belgrade (28th OCtober-2nd November),  Brighton Theatre Royal (4th-9th November) and Plymouth Theatre Royal (18th-23rd November).

Not all venues are on sale yet. More details and booking links to follow.

Sheridan Smith Out of Jonathan Creek

As already intimated, Sheridan Smith has had to quit as Jonathan Creek’s sidekick Joey Ross because of her work schedule and the Easter special this year was her last appearance.

The BBC series starring Alan Davies in the title role returns for a three-part run in 2014 with Sarah Alexander (who appeared at Easter as Jonathan’s wife Polly), to take over the role of his assistant.

Sheridan has played the online paranormal investigator since 2009, but the filming dates clash with her playing Titania opposite David Walliams as Bottom in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Noel Coward Theatre from September to November.

A BBC spokesman said: “We have absolutely loved having Sheridan as part of the Jonathan Creek family for the last few years but she is, of course, ever in demand as a performer, and is increasingly busy with other commitments".

Exploratory Auditions for Newsies the Musical Male Dancers

Disney Theatrical Group has announced exploratory open auditions for male dancers for the musical Newsies on Monday 17th June at Pineapple Dance Studios, Langley Street, London WC2.

Either: 9:15am registration/warm-up for 10.00am start / or 1:15pm registration/warm-up for 2:00pm start

WEAR: Dance gear, trainers, jazz shoes, tap shoes and knee pads.

BRING: Sheet music for 16 bars of a musical theatre song, a CV with a head shot stapled back to back.

Dancers must be:

• Male with playing age 16 to 22 years old
• Strong, technically trained dancers with excellent ballet technique
• Auditionees should also tap and sing well
• Acro and/or tumbling a plus
• All ethnicities are encouraged to attend
• Must be eligible to work in the UK

Casting Director Jill Green said; "We are beginning a search to find extraordinary dance talent. The award-winning choreography by Christopher Gattelli requires energetic male dancers with excellent ballet technique, acrobatic skills, tap dancing, and more. It will be exciting for the team to meet talented men from across the country at these open auditions."

Details of a UK production have yet to be released.

For further information on casting, contact Jill Green Casting: newsies@jillgreencasting.org

Cast for The Prodigals starring Simon Bowman

As already announced, the new musical The Prodigals is playing at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from 30th August-14th September.

West End leading man  Simon Bowman is in the starring role of Colonel Luke Gibson and he will be joined by Greg Oliver/Kyle Gibson: Sam Ferriday/Mike Gibson: Sarah Watson/Kelly Byrne: James Marshall/Mac and they are joined by ensemble members Melanie Brown, Louise Chapman, Emma Franklin, Sarah Wilkie, Omari Bernard, Simeon John-Wake and Jamie Ray-Hartshorne.

Tickets for The Prodigals

Lee Mead, Brian McCann and Adam Linstead in Billy Joel Unsung Concert

Lee Mead is currently appearing in The West End Men at the Vaudeville Theatre until 22nd June, but he is also performing in Billy Joel Unsung at the Waterloo East Theatre on.Sunday June 9th at 7:30 pm.

This is a relaxed evening of Billy Joel cabaret... with a twist performed by  Brian McCann (We Will Rock You) and his guests Adam Linstead (Les Miserables), Yildiz Hussein (Rent), Nadim Naaman (The Phantom Of The Opera), Michelle Antrobus (runner up for ITV's 'Grease is the Word') & Very Special Guest Lee Mead (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked! and Legally Blonde)

Musical Direction by Simon Beck (Award winning Musical Supervisor/Director of West End and major touring theatrical productions as well as a pre-eminent concert/cabaret Musical Director.)

Tickets for Billy Joel Unsung

New October Date for Rachel Tucker Live In Concert

Updated 26th July:  Another  Rachel Tucker - Live in Concert on Sunday 13th October at 7.30pm. Tickets on sale from 10:00 am this morning! 

Ex-Wicked star  Rachel Tucker is performing her first ever live solo concert For One Night Only at the St James' Theatre near Victoria Station on Thursday July 25th. This is to promote her debut album “The Reason” which is released on Big Hand Recordings on July 22nd.

Rachel played Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked longer than any other actress in the production’s history and only left as she was expecting her son Benjamin who was born on February 3rd.

Book tickets for Rachel Tucker