Monday, September 30

Tori Amos and Samuel Adamson Platform for The Light Princess

The new Tori Amos' musical The Light Princess is currently previewing at the Lyttelton at the National Theatre where it is due to open on 9th October and run until 2nd January 2014.

You can hear Tori Amos and  playwright Samuel Adamson talking about the new musical at a Platform performance in the Lyttelton Theatre on Friday 18th October at 6:00 pm (running time 45 minutes).

Tickets for The Light Princess Platform Prices £4 (£3 concessions) 

Friday, September 27

Nigel Harman directing Tour of Shrek the Musical

West End star and ex EastEnders bad boy Nigel Harman is directing the tour of Shrek the Musical which kicks off at Leeds Grand next July.  Booking opens at 10:00 am this morning.

Nigel has plenty of experience with this musical having appeared as the vertically challenged and dim-witted Lord Farquaad when Shrek opened in London's West End.

He is also due to appear in the new X Factor Musical I  Can't Sing as the Simon Cowell character at the London Palladium  next February.

Nigel Harman who won a an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Lord Farquaad said: I am delighted to be returning to Shrek as its director. This show is very special to me with its dizzying blend of great characters, a hilarious script and sublime music. This production is visually stunning, and the story has the magic ingredient of moving at great pace while still being surprisingly intimate. In short, there was no way I was going to say no to the challenge of realising the production for the UK and Ireland.  I really can't wait to take this show on the road!

Meryl Streep as The Witch Into the Woods

Looking a lot more scary than Julia McKenzie did when I saw her playing the role in the West End many years ago!

Thursday, September 26

Musical Nominations for this year's UK Theatre Awards

Updated 11th October: Michael Xavier to compere this year's awards

This year's UK Theatre Awards which are presented by the Theatrical Management Association (TMA) and recognise stage productions presented throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be held at London's Guildhall on 20th October.

Musical theatre noiminations include Sheffield  Theatres named the UK's best outside London by The Stage newspaper earlier this year, is also cited in the touring production category for its musical version of The Full Monty.
Its artistic director Daniel Evans gets two mentions in the best musical production category for My Fair Lady and  This Is My Family.

Frances Ruffelle and Janie Dee are nominated for the best performance in a musical category for  Piaf and Hello, Dolly! respectively - both seen at Leicester's Curve.
Alex Bourne is shortlisted for his performance as Darryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick which was directed by Craig Revel Horwood at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury.

Hannah Waddingham and Her Band in Concert

Tickets have just gone on sale for a one off concert West End diva  and three time Olivier Award nominee Hannah Waddingham is performing at the St James's Theatre with her band on Sunday 20th October.

Star of Monty Python’s Spamalot in the West End and on Broadway, Kiss Me Kate and A Little Night Music, Hannah will give an exclusive performance of many of her favourite songs from the worlds of musical theatre, swing and big band.

I’m so glad to finally be able to sing the songs I love and come and support this gorgeous, emerging new theatre. There is nothing like a live theatre audience, booze in their bloodstream and a fabulous band kicking out the best tunes in the world.  I can’t wait to come and play on October 20th, so please join me.”

Tickets for Hannah Waddingham

First Pictures of Into the Woods movie set

The Disney adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical Into the Woods is currently being shot in the UK with images  from the set being leaked via social media and news outlets yesterday.

Here are shots taken at Dover Castle where they are filming Cinderella's wedding with Anna Kendrick and Chris Pine as Cinderella and her Prince. Also is an off camera shot of James Corden as the Baker.


Wednesday, September 25

Tickets for Jonathan Ansell's New Album Launch

Ex G4 front man Jonathan Ansell has a third studio album “Two Hearts” which is due for release on 14th October.  

You can buy tickets from Jonathan's website to attend the official album launch which is taking place at The Pheasantry on London's  Kings Road on Sunday 20th October at 4:00 pm. Ticket price includes complimentary pizza, snacks and bubbly

Jonathan has created the album though the support of his loyal fan base via the new revolutionary website Pledge Music.

This new album is an eclectic mix of Popular Opera (Caruso), Classic Favorites (Unchained Melody), Rock Anthems (I Wanna Know What Love Is), Musical Theatre (Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar) and his first self penned track “Two Hearts Entwined”.

Alfie Boe & Samantha Barks Performing at Classic Brit Awards

Updated 6th October:  You can see the 2013 Classic Brit Awards tonight (Sunday 6th October) on ITV at 10:20 pm

Alfie Boe and Samantha Barks are to perform at this year's Classic Brit Awards which are being held on October 2nd at the Royal Albert Hall. They both previously appeared at the Classic BRIT Awards in 2011 with the cast of Les Miserables.

The show is being presented by Myleene Klass with Chinese pianist Lang Lang  performing a duet with Nicola Benedetti. He is also to receive the International Artist of the Year award  in recognition of his global success as a recording artist and his efforts to increase the popularity of classical music.


Tuesday, September 24

Bare Rock Musical opens at Greenwich next Month

The rock musical Bare is being performed at the Greenwich Theatre from Wednesday 9th October -
Sunday 27th October.

It is from the same creative team behind the award-winning revival of RENT at Greenwich Theatre in 2012. The Director is Paul Taylor-Mills: Choreographer/Richard Jones: Musical Director /Tom Turner and  Designer/David Shields

A contemporary rock musical, BARE is the story of a group of students navigating their way through a journey of teenage self-discovery wrestling with identity, sexuality, and religion at a co-ed Catholic boarding school. Provocative, raw, and unyielding in its exploration of how today's generation navigates the tightrope between adolescence and adulthood, Bare examines the consequences of baring a soul, or hiding it from those who matter most.

The cast includes Charlotte Jeffery , Claudia Kariuki , Annie Kitchen , Christopher Dickins , Ross William Wild,  Daniel Hope, Michael Vinsen, Lauran Rae, Nadine Cox, Jemma Geanaus, David Albury ,Ashley Gilmour, Ashley Andrews, Luke Baker and Garry Lee Netley .

Tickets from Box Office: 020 8858 7755 or www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Tour of Matthew Bourne's New Lord of the Flies

Matthew Bourne's dance company has produced some of the most successful theatre dance productions including Swan Lake, Nutcracker!, Cinderella and the Sleeping Beauty.

Now his company New Adventures is staging William Golding's classic novel The Lord of the Flies which is going on tour next year opening at the Salford Lowry on 2nd April 2014.

The action takes place on a deserted island which then transfers to a deserted theatre where a group of schoolboys find themselves abandoned. With no adults they start to make their own rules and create their own civilisation, before order breaks down and the story builds to an electrifying climax.

Choreographed by Olivier Award-nominated Scott Ambler, set and costume design by Olivier Award-winner Lez Brotherston, music by Terry Davies, lighting design by Chris Davey, sound design by Paul Groothuis, adapted and directed by Olivier and Tony award-winner Matthew Bourne and Scott Ambler.

Click here to see a video promotion of The Lord of the Flies

Hannah Waddingham, Josefina Gabrielle and Emma Williams in Sondheim Women

KiwiFruits Productions are returning to the St James Theatre this Saturday, 28th September with their second series of 'SONDHEIM: Women' celebrating over five decades of the great anthems of Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

Three time Olivier Award nominee and WhatsOnStage Award winner Hannah Waddingham, two time Olivier nominee Josefina Gabrielle, and two time Olivier nominee Emma Williams headline a cast of West End leading ladies. They will be joined by Jamie Birkett, Zoë Curlett, Rebecca Lock, Fiona O'Carroll, Lauren Samuels  and Lucy Williamson.

The show will feature numbers from musicals including: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, SWEENEY TODD, COMPANY, GYPSY, FOLLIES and INTO THE WOODS. Featuring a live band led by acclaimed pianist Terence Penk, and performances directed by Johnathan Peter
from musicals including: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, SWEENEY TODD, COMPANY, GYPSY, FOLLIES, INTO THE WOODS and more - See more at: http://www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/events/sondheim-women-2/#sthash.ktJIbI53.dpuf

Tickets for Sondheim Women

David Essex New Reflections Album

Updated 15th October: "Reflections" on Amazon now in top thirty of pre orders. Released on the 28th October.

David Essex has just recorded a new album called  Reflections which is due for release on 28th October. The track listing is:

1. Picture This Sky
2. Lamplight
3. Pretty Thing
4. Gonna Make You A Star
5. Dangerous
6. If I Could
7. Dance With Me
8. She's Emotional
9. It's Gonna Be Alright
10. Rock On

You can pre-order it here for £9.99 from Amazon


Sunday, September 22

Been on Broadway Concert

Following a sold out show at the Pheasantry in Chelsea earlier this year, Been on Broadway will make its West End debut for one night only at the Duchess Theatre on Sunday 13th October.

It features songs from Broadway musicals that haven't yet made it to the West End including Next to Normal, Newsies, The Addams Family, Bring It On, The Little Mermaid, Wonderland and The Boy from Oz.

The numbers will be performed by Jordan Luke Gage, Sarah Goggin, Christopher Mitchell, Sally Samad, Alexandra Da Silva and Sebastian Thomas

Buy tickets for Been on Broadway

Thursday, September 19

Lee Mead to Join Casualty

West End performer and Any Dream Will Do winner Lee Mead is joining the BBC medical Drama casualty as a regular character playing nurse Lofty, who is described as "a likeable and popular nurse with a less-than-ordinary background".  Lee has previously appeared in the drama in a one off guest role.

Commenting on the role he said "I'm thrilled to be joining Casualty. I really enjoyed my guest appearance in 2011, but this will be a completely different challenge.When I first read about the character Lofty I didn't imagine I would be in the frame to play him. I am hoping he will charm audiences and they will get behind him. I can't wait to get started and to learn all of the medical jargon!"

Casualty's Executive Producer said: "As the character Lofty was being developed, we couldn't think of anyone else to better to play him. We can't wait to start filming and are thrilled to have Lee join the team.With a very different background to most of the other nurses, his clumsy charm is sure to win everyone over."

He will begin filming at BBC Cymru Wales’ Roath Lock Studios later this year, with the episodes set to air for the first time in early 2014.

New Bio-Musical on Richard Burton heading for West End

According to BroadwayWorld a new bio-musical based on the life and career of stage and screen star Richard Burton is heading for the West End in 2015.

The show will cover his Welsh upbringing, extremely successful stage and film careers and of course his volatile relationship with Elizabeth Taylor.

The new musical has a score by Daniel and Laura Curtis who co-wrote Ramin Karimloo's charity single "Why Am I Falling" as well as "A Miner's Song" (which included an audio recording of Richard Burton).

Daniel Curtis said:  ''Richard Burton has always fascinated me and his relationship with Elizabeth Taylor has to be one of the most famous romances of all time. We want to take the audience on a journey from his humble beginnings in Pontrhydyfen to becoming one of the biggest stars in the world."

The cast and the full creative team will be announced soon. I don't think Burton will not be easy to cast as he was one of the most powerful and charismatic actors of his time.

Wicked! Cares Charity Performance

Members from the cast of the West End Show Wicked! are performing a special one off show in aid of Debra, which a non public sector funded organisation who provide vital care and support to children with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare condition that renders the skin extremely fragile.

You can see them at the St James Theatre at 7:00 pm on Sunday 6th October.

Book tickets for Wicked! Cares

Wednesday, September 18

Ramin Karimloo Human Heart CD with Bonus Tracks

West End star and concert artist Ramin Karimloo is currently home in Toronto in rehearsals to play Jean Valjean in Les Miserables which opens there on 27th September.

To coincide with this his CD Human Heart will be available with two specially added exclusive LesMis bonus tracks on Tuesday September 24th

Human Heart includes songs he performed on-stage in his leading roles, including "Bring Him Home" and "I Dreamed a Dream" from LesMis, "Till I Hear You Sing" from Love Never Dies and "Music of the Night" from Phantom. 

The album also features tracks by contemporary music writers including Greg Wells (Adele, Katy Perry), Don Mescall (Rascall Flatts), Ryan Tedder (Leona Lewis) and Duncan Sheik and Steve Sater (Spring Awakening).

Ramin has co-written four new songs for the album and covers songs by Muse, Indie favourite Jay Clifford and Bryan Adams.

Latest on New Water Babies Musical at Leicester Curve

Updated 17th April: It has just been announced that Richard E Grant will play Kraken: Lord of the Oceans in a 3D hologram interactive scene where he will be appearing "as live" on stage  with the real actors.  The  3D hologram effect  will use a combination of cutting edge technology and traditional theatre illusion to allow live actors to perform alongside filmed sequences.

Louise Dearman is Mrs D with Lauren Samuels as Ellie, Tom Lister/Eel and Thomas Milner/Tom:  

They will be joined by Robbie Boyle, Matthew Caputo, Georgia Carling, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall, Tom Davey, Caroline Deverill, Matthew Gent, Andy Gray, Jeffrey Harmer, Cristina Hoey, Samuel Holmes, Rebecca Jayne-Davies, Sienna Kelly, Marianna Neofitou, Morgan Scott and Marcquelle Ward.

The Water Babies is a new musical which have its world premiere at Curve in Leicester previewing on April 24th, opening on 6th May and running until May 17th.

The musical is based on the book by Charles Kingsley with music by Chris Egan who has previously orchestrated The Bodyguard in the West End and Chichester Festival Theatre’s production of The Pajama Game.

It will be directed by Ed Curtis who has written the Water Babies’ book and lyrics with Guy Jones. The pair previously wrote the book for Never Forget, the Take That musical.

Buy tickets for The Water Babies

Tuesday, September 17

Urinetown Musical to Premiere at St James Theatre

St James Theatre has confirmed it will be hosting the UK premiere of Tony Award-winning musical Urinetown  from 11th March to 3rd  May 2014 (previews from 22 February).

Directed by Jamie Lloyd Urinetown's writers are Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis (who the idea came to as he was backpacking across Europe, ran out of money and was locked out of where he was staying most days. He spent a lot of the time trying to use the bathroom, but everywhere he went he  had to pay for it. So he thought "what if everyone was in the same condition I was, what kind of world would that be?"

Urinetown is set in a Gotham-like city of the future which has been inflicted with a terrible drought and business tycoon Caldwell B Cladwell has made his fortune through bribery and the monopolization of all public toilets. With a brutal police force maintaining law and order, it’s not a place to get caught short! Risk it and you will be sent off to a place no one returns from the infamous Urinetown. The city needs a revolution and every revolution needs a hero to leading the people in an uprising against private toilets.

Casting is still to be announced with Lloyd saying  it will comprise a mix of "established musical theatre stars and newcomers to the genre". He also revealed that he hopes the St James run can provide a "springboard" to a more permanent West End home.

Urinetown is designed by Soutra Gilmour, with choreography by Ann Yee, lighting by Adam Silverman, sound by Terry Jardine and Nick Lidster and musical supervision by Alan Williams. It is produced by Julian Stoneman Associates and The Araca Group.

Tickets for Urinetown


Michael Xavier, Danielle Hope, Jenna Russell and Caroline Sheen in Collaborations Concert

West End performers Michael Xavier, Danielle Hope, Jenna Russell and Caroline Sheen are performing the songs of composer and writer Elliot Davis at two concerts at 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm  this Sunday 22nd September at the St James Theatre.

The concert launches the the album Collaborations – the Songs of Elliot Davis, who is best known for writing the musical Loserville with James Bourne. The album is produced by Simon Greiff for SimG Records, an independent label dedicated to new musical theatre writers and performers and features numbers co-written by creatives including Bourne and Anthony Drewe and includes songs performed by  Scarlett Strallen and Julie Atherton.

The shows are produced by Paulden Hall Productions in association with SimG Productions and profits from them and the CD will go to Teenage Cancer Trust.

Tickets for Collaborations

More Casting News for Into the Woods Movie

The shooting of the Disney movie Into the Woods is currently underway and it has just emerged that Lilla Crawford, who originated the title role in the 2012 Broadway revival of Annie, is now Little Red Riding Hood replacing Sophia Grace Brownlee. Most of her scenes will be with Johnny Depp who plays the Wolf.

As already reported the starry cast includes Meryl Streep as the Witch, Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife, James Corden as the Baker, Anna Kendrick as Cinderella, Chris Pine as Cinderella's Prince, Johnny Depp as the Wolf, Lilla Crawford as Little Red Riding Hood, Daniel Huttlestone as Jack, Tracey Ullman as Jack’s Mother, Christine Baranski  as the Stepmother, MacKenzie Mauzy as Rapunzel and Billy Magnussen as Rapunzel's Prince.

They are joined by Tammy Blanchard and Lucy Punch as Cinderella's stepsisters Florinda and Lucinda: Richard Glover as the Steward: Frances de la Tour as the Giant: Simon Russell Beale as the Baker's father: Joanna Riding as Cinderella's mother and Annette Crosbie  as Little Red Riding Hood's granny.

Sunday, September 15

The Commitments Marquee

The Commitments marquee at the Palace Theatre is pretty impressive with the show due to start previews in just six days time on 21st September, with an opening night of 8th October.

There are still a few half price preview tickets left from £11.50 which you can purchase here.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Children in Need Gala

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is presenting a special Gala performance in aid of BBC Children in Need at the Thatre Royal Drury Lane on Thursday 7th November.

It will be hosted by BBC Radio 2's Sir Terry Wogan with a number of  BBC Radio 2 DJs and celebrity friends in attendance. As well as enjoying the regular performance of the show theatregoers will be able to upgrade their tickets to include a very special VIP experience.

The Children in Need evening on BBC television will take place this year on Friday 15th November.

Tickets for Charlie's Children in Need Gala

Mamma Mia! Relaxed Performance for Families and Children with Special Needs

Mamma Mia! is to perform a special  'Relaxed Performance' for Families at the Novello Theatre on 26th  November.

A 'relaxed performance' is for families with one or more children with special needs. It is designed to provide an opportunity for people with autism, learning difficulties or other sensory and communication needs who require a more relaxed environment to visit the theatre.

Prior to attending the performance families will be sent support materials including an education pack that explores themes and characters in the musical, a 'Visual Story' and a 'Sensory Synopsis'.
 The pack also recommends convenient travel routes and restaurants.
It follows Mousetrap Theatre Projects' (MTP) successful relaxed performance of Shrek The Musical at Drury Lane last May.

Tickets for the relaxed performance of Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre will start from £2.50 for children and £5 for adults.

Amazing Ticket Deals for Top Hat Musical

Top Hat the musical closes on 26th October at the Aldwych, but below are some great tickets deals which are valid for all performances until 18th October.  Offer ends 30th September at 5:00 pm
Top price seats (up to £70.20) reduced to £32.50
 Second price seats (up to £48) reduced to £22.50
Third price seats (up to £42.50) reduced to £22.50
Fourth price seats (up to £37.50) reduced to £15
Book reduced price tickets for Top Hat the Musical 

Aaron Tveit new album The Radio in My Head: Live at 54 Below

The last time I saw Broadway star Aaron Tveit he was hanging upside down from a window having been shot in the barricade scene while playing Enjolras in the movie of Les Miserables.

He created the role of Frank Abagnale Jr in Broadway's Catch Me If You Can and was Gabe in from Next to Normal. He has also appeared in Wicked and Hairspray on Broadway.

He recently performed sold out performances at 54 Below in New York City when his show was recorded and and released as an album "The Radio in My Head: Live at 54 Below."

The album claims to be "Mixing Broadway with pop, childhood favorites with contemporary sounds, and superstar vocals with charismatic good looks, Tveit's cabaret debut will have them talking for years."

The track list includes:

"I'm Alive"
"On A Friday Night"
"Something's Coming"
"If I Loved You/To Make You Feel My Love"
"Little Bit Country"
"When I Was Your Man"
"Welcome, Freshmen"
"What You'd Call A Dream"
"Where Am I?"
"One Song Glory"
"Not Your Average Lullaby"
"There's A World / Hero and Leander"
"The Future Is Closer Than You Think"
"I Could Be In Love With Someone Like You"
"You Tube Generation"
"Run Away With Me"
"Thanks, Guys!"
"She's Always A Woman/A Case Of You"
"No Judgement"
"We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"
"The (Not) Last Song"
"Goodbye"
"My Romance/I Remember You"

Order or download Aaron Tveit's The Radio in My Head: Live at 54 Below

Friday, September 13

Nigel Harman & Julian Ovenden in Downton Abbey

The fourth series of Downton Abbey returns to ITV at 9:00 pm on Sunday 22nd September.

Broadway and West End star Julian Ovenden is joining the cast (in episode 6) playing dishy Charles Blake who becomes a potential love interest for the widowed Lady Mary. He works for the Government and stays at the Abbey while conducting a study into how estates like Downton are struggling in their changing society.

His extensive TV and theatre credits include Merrily We Roll Along, Grand Hotel, Marguerite,Death Takes A Holiday, Finding Neverland, Midsomer Murders and Foyle's War. 

Nigel Harman is well known as the deceased Dennis Rickman in EastEnders. He recently appeared as the vertically challenged Lord Farquaad in Shrek at Drury Lane and is bravely taking on the Simon Cowell role in I Can't Sing - The X Factor Musical when it opens at the Palladium next March.

Harman is playing Lord Gillingham's valet Green who very charming but ready to stir things up and likely to cause trouble in Anna and Bates' marriage. Sounds like its something he can get his teeth into being too good to be true with no redeeming qualities. He first appears in the third episode on Sunday 6th October.

Wednesday, September 11

Jessie Buckley in Cabaret at the Bridge House

Update 19th September:  Rachel Tucker will now be performing a special duet with Jessie.

You can see Jessie  Buckley in cabaret at the newly opened Bridge House Theatre in Penge South East London at 3:00 pm on 22nd September.  She is supported by Peter Caulfield and Greg Barnet.

Jessie is an Irish singer and actress who was the runner up in BBC’s  I'd Do Anything search for a new, unknown lead to play Nancy in the West End revival of the musical Oliver!

Recent credits include Anne Egermann in the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's .A Little Night Music:  In the 2013 summer season at Shakespeare's Globe she played Miranda in The Tempest, and singer Arabella Hunt and Kate in Samuel Adamson's Gabriel.

Buy tickets for Jessie Buckley

Il Divo New A Musical Affair Album

Il Divo are releasing their sixth studio album A Musical Affair on Monday 2nd December. It includes guest performances from Barbra Streisand, Nicole Scherzinger, Kristin Chenoweth, Heather Headley and Michael Ball. 

They are also performing a limited run of Broadway performances at the Marquis Theatre with special guest star Heather Headley (The Bodyguard) starting on 7th November. Listen to Can You Feel The Love Tonight (featuring Heather Headley).

A Musical Affair is Il Divo’s first compilation of songs inspired by Broadway shows including The Phantom of the Opera, Carousel and West Side Story featuring classics Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific), Bring Him Home (Les Miserables) and Tonight, (West Side Story).

Tracklisting for A Musical Affair:

1.     ‘Memory’ (with Nicole Scherzinger)
2.     ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ (with Heather Headley)
3.     ‘Bring Him Home’
4.     ‘Tonight’
5.     ‘All I Ask Of You’ (with Kristen Chenoweth)
6.     ‘Some Enchanted Evening’
7.     ‘Who Can I Turn To?’
8.     ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’
9.     ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’
10.   ‘If Ever I Would Leave You’
11.   ‘Love Changes Everything’ (Michael Ball and Il Divo)
12.   ‘The Music Of The Night’ (Barbra Streisand with Il Divo)


Pre order Il Divo A Musical Affair here

Kerry Ellis in Christmas Spectacular

Kerry Ellis is expecting her baby in October but clearly she is intending on getting straight back to work and is appearing in a Christmas Spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall from 27th-29th December. Kerry will be singing a Christmas Movie Medley including songs from The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins & The Wizard of Oz.

She is being joined by The Jingle Belle Dancers, Natalia Bobrova & Nikolai Chevychelov: Principal Dancers from The Russian State Ballet of Siberia accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Anthony Inglis with soprano Stephanie Corley and tenor Marco Panuccio.

Other classics being performed include Troika, The Nutcracker Suite pas de deux, La Boheme Finale, Brindisi from La Traviata, The Can Can, The Sorcerers Apprentice, Skaters' Waltz, Vilia from The Merry Widow and the Black Swaan pas de deux from Swan Lake. Topped off with some sensational lighting effects, thrilling lights, lasers and an indoor firework finale!

Tickets for A Christmas Spectacular








Tuesday, September 10

Casting for Rock Musical Bare

Full casting has been announced for cult rock musical Bare which is transferring  to Greenwich Theatre from Wednesday 9th to Saturday 27th October following a sold out run at the Union Theatre earlier this year.

Ross William Wild and Michael Vinsen will return to the roles of Jason and Peter, alongside Jodie Steele as Ivy, Molly Stewartas Nadia, Luke Baker as Matt, Nadine Cox as Claire, Christopher Dickens as Priest, Gary Lee Netley as Lucas, Lauren Rae as Tanya, Jemma Geanaus as Kyra, Tash Holway as Diane, Ashley Andrews as Rory, David Albury as Zack and Adam Bailey as Alan. The cast also includes Ashley Gilmour, Daniel Hope, Charlotte Jeffery, Annie Kitchen and Alison Pope.

A contemporary rock musical, BARE is the electrifying story of a group of students navigating their way through a journey of teenage self-discovery, wrestling with identity, sexuality, and religion at a co-ed Catholic boarding school. Provocative, raw, and unyielding in its exploration of how today's generation navigates the tightrope between adolescence and adulthood, BARE examines the consequences of baring a soul, or hiding it from those who matter most. With a pulsating rock score, BARE is a powerful story of youth and rebellion you will never forget.

 BARE was first staged at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles in 2000, before opening Off-Broadway at the American Theatre of Actors in 2004. Bare has since received over 100 productions in cities all over the world including Toronto, Sydney, and returning to New York at New World Stages in 2012. BARE received its European Premiere in a brand new production at London’s Union Theatre in April 2013.

BARE is directed by Paul Taylor-Mills, who’s credits include “Little Shop of Horrors”, “White Bear” (4 Off West End Award nominations including Best Director), “A Clockwork Orange” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at the Lost Theatre, the European Premiere of “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” in sold-out seasons Above The Stag, in Edinburgh and at Greenwich Theatre, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (Off West End Award nomination for Best Director) and “Steel Pier” (6 Off West End Award nominations, WhatsOnStage nomination for Best Off West End Production) at the Union Theatre and “Rent” at Greenwich Theatre (Winner of Best Regional Production at the BroadwayWorld Awards).

BARE has music by Damon Intrabartolo, lyrics by John Hartmere and a book by Intrabartolo and Hartmere. It is directed by Paul Taylor-Mills with choreography by Richard Jones, design by David Shields and casting by Will Burton. BARE is produced by Kylie Vilcins for Paul Taylor-Mills Ltd.

Tickets for Bare at Greenwich Theatre

Monday, September 9

Cast for Tour of the The Secret Garden in Concert

The Secret Garden in Concert was performed at  The King's Head and Greenwich Theatre earlier this year and it will now tour the UK from October 2013. The show will play at seven venues only visiting the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (Guildford), Fairfield Halls (Croydon), St Albans Arena, Trinity Theatre (Tunbridge Wells), and Buxton Opera House.

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?

Casting has just been announced with Ashleigh Gray as Martha and Ian Knauer as Neville Craven, Alexander Evans and Zoe Curlett  are returning  as Archibald Craven and Lily, Olivia Hallett and Anastasia Martin are back as Mary Lennox, returning as Dickon is recent THE VOICE semi-finalist Jordan Lee-Davies and Pippa Winslow is Mrs Medlock, Martin Johnston / Ben Weatherstaff, Finlay Banks & Elliot Jones are Dickon and Kirsty Marie Ayers, Danny Whitehead and Colin Zammit complete the cast.

Zoe Curlett’s theatre credits include the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2 Arena, Jellylorum in the European Tour of Cats, Polly Browne in the UK Tour of The Boyfriend, Cosette in Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre, and Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Alexander Evans’ recent credits include Captain Watson in Opera North’s Carousel, Masterclass at the Vaudeville Theatre, Father in Ragtime at the Landor Theatre, the UK Tour of Chess and Sheldrake in Sunset Boulevard at the Watermill and Harold Pinter Theatre.

Ian Knauer has covered the roles of Sam and Harry in the Broadway and US Touring productions of Mamma Mia!. Other credits include The Great Gatsby at Riverside Studios, Steel Peer at the Union Theatre and Mother Goose at Coventry Belgrade Theatre.

 Ashleigh Gray covered and performed the role of Elphaba in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Other recent work includes the UK Tour of Momentous Musicals, West End Men at the Vaudeville Theatre, the UK Tour of I Dreamed a Dream and Betwixt! at Trafalgar Studios.

Jordan Lee-Davies was recently a finalist in the second series of BBC talent show The Voice. Recent stage work includes Alan in Bare: The Rock Musical at the Union Theatre.

Pippa Winslow has appeared as Phyllis in Follies at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Miss Pross in A Tale of Two Cities at Charing Cross Theatre, Desiree in A Little Night Music at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and covering the role of Madame Giry in the UK National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera.

Martin Johnston’s stage credits include Henry Potter in the UK Tour of It’s a Wonderful Life and Reverend Shaw Moore in Footloose at the Novello Theatre. TV credits include The Tudors for HBO and Criminal Justice for the BBC.

The Secret Garden has music by Lucy Simon and a book and lyrics by Marsha Norman. It is directed by Matthew Gould with musical direction by David Keefe and casting by Benjamin Newsome. It is designed by Franciso Rodriguez-Weil with lighting by Tom Kitney and sound by Kirsty Gillmore. It is produced by Aria Entertainment and Knockhardy Productions.

Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/TheSecretGardenOnConcert

Saturday, September 7

Brian May Playing God in Spamalot next week

Legendary Queen guitarist Brian May is also the producer of We Will Rock You at London's Dominion theatre.   Next week is joining the "Summer of Spamalot Charity Gods" lineup where different celebrities film the part of God to be shown at Monty Python's Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre  for a week at a time.

May's pre-recorded role will run from September 9th to the 14th and will benefit the Save Me Campaign, a non-profit organization that takes a stance against the persecution and torture of wildlife for sport.

Recent celebrities who have played the role for charity include Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville, Michael Palin, Barbara Windsor, Larry Lamb, Bradley Walsh, Simon Callow and Christopher Biggins.  The role of God in Spamalot appears when King Arthur and the Knights of The Round Table are given their quest to find The Holy Grail.

May said: "The opportunity to play God has got to be something that you can’t possibly pass up. I really, really didn’t want to stop. Once you've played God, nothing else will match up to that experience and I can quite understand what’s happened to David Cameron! I love Monty Python, always have done. Spamalot is a wonderful show and it’s very up-to-the-minute, it doesn’t date at all, and I recommend everyone see it at least five times."

Buy tickets from £13.50 to see Brian May in Spamalot

Freddie Mercury Biopic in jeopardy with departure of Sacha Baron Cohen

With Sacha Baron Cohen's announcement that he was leaving the production of the Freddie Mercury biopic screenwriter Peter Morgan has told the BBC that the film will "probably not . . . happen."

Cohen clashed with Queen members Roger Taylor and Brian May over the movie with the actor wanting a "gritty R-rated tell-all" while the band "wanted to make more of a PG movie."

Cohen had also brought in David Fincher, Tom Hooper and others to develop the project, but none had been approved by May and Taylor. No director has been attached to the picture.

Peter Karrie Performing at Cwmdonkin Park Today

West End star Peter Karrie is taking part in a live concert at a Victorian Park in Swansea today from 5:00 pm to 8.30pm. He will be accompanied by the UK Filmharmonic Orchestra  performing a range of well-known film and TV themes including Les Miserables, James Bond and Indiana Jones .

Cwmdonkin Park  made famous by Dylan Thomas is being officially re-opened this weekend after a major £1.39 million refurbishment in time for the 100th anniversary of the poet's birth next year.

It is a free event organised by the Friends of Cwmdonkin Park and Swansea Council which will be held from noon to 8.30pm today. From noon to 5pm, activities will include an Under Milk Wood performance from children at Dylan Thomas Community School, poetry workshops, tennis and magic shows.

There will be four large marquees made up of 20 stalls selling food, drink, art, crafts, clothes and bric-a-brac. Local traders from the Uplands area are among those who will feature.

100 Miss Saigon Tickets To Be Sold For Opening Night

Tickets for the revival of Miss Saigon go on public sale at 10:00 am on Monday 9th September.

They are releasing 100 tickets for the opening night on 21st May 2014 at £20 each. They will only be available to buy IN PERSON from 4.30pm on Monday 9th September at the Prince Edward Box Office (maximum 2 tickets per person). They will also give you a limited edition poster.

Ben Richards and Friends Concert

Ben Richards has just finished appearing the tour of the Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5 and is now due to appear in Ben Richards and Friends (featuring Portia Emare).

He is returning to the Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis for two shows at 3:00 and 7:30 pm on Saturday 26th October.

Tickets for Ben Richards and Friends

Friday, September 6

Casting announced for Andrew Lloyd Webber's new Stephen Ward Musical

The new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Stephen Ward which is based on the Profumo Affair opens at the Aldwych Theatre on 19th  December 2013 (previews from 3rd December) and is currently booking until 1st March 2014.

 Alexander Hanson (who most recently played Pontius Pilate in the UK arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar) is Stephen Ward, Charlotte Spencer is Christine Keeler and Joanna Riding will play Valerie Hobson.

The cast also includes Charlotte Blackledge as Mandy Rice Davies, Anthony Calf as Lord Astor, Chris Howell as Murray, Ricardo Coke Thomas as Lucky Gordon, Wayne Robinson as Johnny Edgecomp, Ian Conningham as Ivanov and Daniel Flynn as John Profumo.

Other cast members are Martin Callaghan, Kate Coyston, Jason Denton, Julian Forsyth, Amy Griffiths, Paul Kemble, Emma Kate Nelson, Carl Sanderson, Emily Squibb, John Stacey, Helen Ternent and Tim Walton.


Book tickets for Stephen Ward 


Thursday, September 5

Still looking for Miss Saigon's Kim and The Engineer

Priority Booking opened for the revival of Miss Saigon earlier this week with  public tickets on sale on 9th September.

Performances start on 1st May at the Prince Edward Theatre with rehearsals scheduled to begin on 10th March which is still along way off, which is just as well  as the creative team are still searching for Kim and the Engineer (played by Lea Salonga and Jonathan Pryce in the original 1989 Drury Lane production).

Open auditions were held in the Phillipines and in London this July with the search now continuing in New York.

Full Cast Breakdown for Tour of Happy Days - A New Musical

Happy Days - A New Musical will open at the Churchill Theatre Bromley on 14th January next year (previews from 11th January), before embarking on a national tour which is currently booking until July.  It is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award nominee Andrew Wright.

Sugababe Heidi Range has already been announced as playing Pinky Tuscadero with West End leading man and Emmerdale star Ben Freeman playing The Fonz and  Cheryl Baker as Marion Cunningham.

The rest of the cast includes: Lucy-Jane Adcock/Pinkette 1, Charlie Allen/Lori-Beth, Henry Davis/Malachi 1, Ray Gardner/Arnold, Emma Harrold/Joanie Cunningham, Grace Holdstock/Ensemble, Katie Monks/Pinkette 2, Eddie Myles/Chachi Arcola, James Paterson/Howard Cunningham, Edwin Ray/Ensemble, Sam Robinson/Malachi 2, Andrew Waldron/Ralph Malph, Scott Waugh/Richie Cunningham and Jason Winter as Potsie Weber.

Ben Freeman is probably best known  as Scott Windsor in ITV's Emmerdale.  He is currently playing the prince Fiyero in Wicked! London's Apollo Victoria Theatre with  other West End credits including Warner in Legally Blonde and Norman in Dreamboats and Petticoats.

Cheryl Baker is a a member of the pop group Bucks Fizz won who the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981, with more than 20 hit records including three number ones. Theatre credits include Footloose  (tour and in the West End), Mrs Potts' in Beauty and the Beast and Menopause The Musical.

Wednesday, September 4

James Corden in Paul Potts Biopic One Chance

James Corden is currently filming the Sondheim/Lapine movie Into the Woods where he is playing the baker alongside other stars including Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp.

He is due to appear in UK cinemas on 25th October playing the Britains Got Talent winner Paul Potts in the biopic One Life story of the singer’s life.

I think Corden bears more than passing resemblance to Potts, while Alexandra Roach plays his wife who encourages him to pursue his dream with Mackenzie Cook as his best friend and Julie Walters and Colm Meaney as his mother and father.

Potts rags to riches story goes from when worked in Carphone Warehouse where he makes the life-changing decision to enter for Britain's Got Talent which he wins. Simon Cowell is set for a cameo in the film, but Potts turned down an offer to appear in a cameo in the story of his own life.

Tuesday, September 3

Latest on I Can't Sing - the X Factor Musical

With tickets going on sale yesterday for I Can't Sing - The X Factor Musical the official launch was also held with Simon Cowell in attendance plus creatives Harry Hill, Steve Brown, Sean Foley and principal cast members Nigel Harman (playing Simon Cowell character), Cynthia Erivo (Chenice around who story revolves) and Alan Morrissey  (Max the plumber and wannabe contestant).

Morrissey is the latest name to join the cast with theatre credits include Boiling Frogs (Southwark Playhouse), Romeo & Juliet (Shakespeare's Globe), Twelfth Night and As You Like It (RSC), and Salad Days (Bristol Old Vic). His television credits include Endeavour (ITV), Holby City (BBC) and Doctors (BBC).

The press launch previewed a couple of the numbers followed which as you would expect were satirical send ups of the X Factor and Simon Cowell folowed by a Q & A Session with Harry Hill, Steve Brown, Sean Foley, Nigel Harman and Simon Cowell which Lisa Snowdon hosted.

I Can't Sing - the X Factor Musical  starts previews at the London Palladium on 27th February with an opening night on 26th March 2014 and current booking period until 25th October 2014.

Louise Dearman The Perfect Year Cabaret at St James Theatre Studio

As part of St James Theatre Studio Cabaret Nights West End leading lady Louise Dearman is celebrating Christmas by performing The Perfect Year on December 16th and 17th 2013

Louise has recently left Wicked! playing the green witch Elphaba, and is the only actress to have also played Glinda.

The Perfect Year will include a collection of songs from Louise’s theatrical past, present and future along with some festive Christmas classics.

Tickets for The Perfect Year

Monday, September 2

Michael Feinstein, Elaine Paige, Julian Ovenden, Rachel Tucker, Maria Friedman and Leigh Zimmerman in London Festival of Cabaret

The London Festival of Cabaret celebrating The Great American and European Songbooks will play at venues across the Capital from Sunday 13th October to Sunday 17th November.

It will feature  Alexander Armstrong (Pointless, Armstrong & Miller ) and His Band performing a new show created especially for the Festival, covering Britten's folk-song arrangements, Coward and Novello, as well as Neil Hannon, Smith & Burrows and the Wombles.

Michael Feinstein will be performing with friends including Elaine Paige and Julian Ovenden and Maria Friedman will be a holding Cabaret Master Class.

There will be never before seen shows from Hope Springs, Leigh Zimmerman (a Chorus Line)   alongside her rock musician husband Doemenick Allen, plus a new show from Wicked and I'd Do Anything star Rachel Tucker.

Find out more about The London Festival of Cabaret

Fra Fee, Cassidy Janson David Thaxton and Ben Lewis in Candide at the Menier

Updated 11th September:  Booking opens this morning for Candide with the announcement of some of the cast members.  Fra Fee is playing Candide and he will be joined by Cassidy Janson, Ben Lewis, Scarlet Strallen, David Thaxton, Carly Anderson, Jeremy Batt, Christopher Jacobsen, Frankie Jenna, Rachel Spurrell, Helen Walsh and Matt Wilman.

Fra Fee: A Man of No Importance (Salisbury Playhouse);  Young Buddy in Follies (Oṕera de Toulon, France); Les Miserables (Queen’s Theatre); Fame (RTE Irish Tour) and Dirty Dancing (Aldwych Theatre).Courfeyrac in the film version of Les Miserables.

Cassidy Janson/Paquette:  Lend Me A Tenor – The Musical (Gielgud), Avenue Q (Gielgud), Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria) and Tick Tick Boom (Menier Chocolate Factory).

Ben Lewis/Govenor and Vanderdendur: The Phantom in the Australian production of Love Never Dies,A Little Night Music (Opera Australia) and Australian productions of Spamalot and
Priscilla -- Queen of the Desert.

Scarlett Strallen/Cunegonde: A Chorus Line (London Palladium); Singin’ In The Rain (Chichester Festival and Palace Theatre London - Olivier nomination, Best Actress in a Musical), Passion (Donmar Warehouse); and the title role in Mary Poppins on Broadway and in the West End. Her performance as Josephine in the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s production of HMS Pinafore also won her an Olivier nomination.

David Thaxton/Maximilian: 2011 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as Giorgio in Passion (Donmar). Other theatre credits include Raoul in Love Never Dies (Adelphi) and Les Miserables (Queen’s).

More casting news still to come.

Book tickets for Candide

.........
 The Menier Chocolate Factory is to present a revival of Leonard Bernstein's 1956 musical Candide this Christmas with previews starting on 22nd November and the show opening on 2nd December to 22nd February 2014.

Based on Voltaire's 1759 novel, Candide has music by Leonard Bernstein with a book originally adapted by Hugh Wheeler, then adapted again by Robert Carsden and Ian Burton. The lyrics are by Richard Wilbur with additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, John Latouche, Lillian Hellman, Dorothy Parker and Bernstein. It premiered on Broadway in 1956 at the Martin Beck Theatre starring Barbara Cook.

The production will be directed by Matthew White (Top Hat), choreography by Royal Ballet principal and now star of musical theatre Adam Cooper (Singin' in the Rain) with design by Paul Farnsworth, lighting design Paul Anderson, sound design Gareth Owen, musical supervisor David Charles Abell and musical director Seann Alderking.


Review of Live by the Lake Gershwin Concert starring Michael Ball, Gina Beck and Kerry Ellis

Was lucky enough to be at the Michael Ball Gershwin Concert Live by the Lake at Kenwood House yesterday afternoon  which also featured Kerry Ellis, Gina Beck and David Bardsley (sub for David Shannon) accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra conducted by the inimitable Jae Alexander.

Despite London Overground trying to ruin it for me with works on the line and no trains, I managed to navigate my way to Hampstead on the bus and it was well worth it.  

Highlights for me were Gina Beck's The Man I Love, By Strauss (my favourite) and I Love You Porgy: Kerry's Someone to Watch Over Me and her duet of Let's Call The Whole Thing Off with  David Bardsley.

Michael Ball joined them for the penultimate number before the interval and stayed with the show for the entire second half with great renditions of numbers including I Got Rhythm, S'Wonderful, Nice Work If You Can Get It and Our Love is Here to Stay.

The concert started at 5:00 pm and the cast would have been happy to go on past the 7:30 pm curfew imposed by the local residents (led by Warren Mitchell/Alf Garnett) because of noise levels.  But they did manage to fit in an encore and when everyone was up dancing.

All in all a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in a perfect setting with some excellent performances by seasoned performers. You can see some of the performances here.

Sunday, September 1

Hadley Fraser & Louise Dearman in Once Upon A Time

On  27th September at 8:00 pm BBC Radio 2's Friday Night is Music Night presents Once Upon A Time which is a concert featuring music inspired by fairy tales ofThe Brothers Grimm, Wilhem and Jacob, who wrote countless German folk tales including the stories of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, The Pied Piper and Snow White.

The concert will be recorded at the Mermaid Theatre in London's Blackfriars on Wednesday 25th September and you can obtain tickets by clicking on this link.

Samantha Bond is the presenter and story teller, West End star Hadley Fraser takes on the role of the Handsome Prince, while Louise Dearman is the Beautiful Princess. They will be accompanied by the 60 piece BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Nick Davies.

The concert features music from Tchaikowsky, Mendelssohn, Rossini, Mussorsgsky and Rimsky Korsakov plus songs written for Disney's Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, Tangled (Rapunzel) and The Little Mermaid.  The whole concert finishes with the spectacular 'Night on a Bare Mountain' as featured in Disney's 'Fantasia'.