Thursday, October 31

Stephen Ward Marquee

Marquee for Stephen Ward Musical at the Aldwych Theatre where is starts previews on 3rd December.

Seussical at the Arts this Christmas

Seussical the Musical is at the Arts Theatre from 2nd December (previews from the 30th November) to 5th January with family friendly matinees and a 6:00 pm show on Mondays for bigger children.

Join The Cat in the Hat as he takes you on a journey into the fantastic world of Dr Seuss.

Horton the Elephant discovers a small world floating by on a speck of dust and is the home of the Whos, including Jojo – a Who with “thinks” that defy all description. Between them they must find a way to save Who from a world of full of dangers.

But Horton faces a double challenge, he’s been left alone to guard an abandoned egg left by Mayzie La Bird. Caught between a dust speck and his incubating egg, Horton is truly alone in the universe, but while he faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and ends up on trial, little does he know the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.

Ste Clough, Elliot Fitzpatrick, Jordan Veloso, Shekinah Mcfarlane, Alastair Crosswell, Benjamin Vivian-Jones and Thomas Lloyd join the cast this Christmas. Ste Clough takes on the role of Horton the Elephant (played, last year, by David Hunter) with Elliot Fitzpatrick playing the Cat in the Hat. Jordan Veloso plays Jojo, Shekinah McFarlane is Sour Kangaroo and Alastair Crosswell, Benjamin Vivian-Jones and Thomas Lloyd play the mischievous Wickersham Brothers.

They join returning cast members Kirsty Marie Ayers (Gertrude McFuzz), Jessica Parker (Mayzie La Bird), Amy Punter (Bird Girl), Jennifer Low (Bird Girl) and Tanya Shields (Bird Girl/Mrs Mayor).

Seussical is directed by Kirk Jameson, designed by Richard Evans, Lighting Design by Tom Boucher and Sound Design by Chriss Bogg.

Tickets for Seussical

Cool Rider (Grease 2) In Concert

Mark Benton will star as biology teacher Mr Stuart with Nikki Evans as Ms Mason. Ashleigh Gray as Stephanie, Aaron Sidwell as Michael, Hannah Levane as Paulette and Niall Sheehy as John.


The principal cast is completed by Bronté Barbe (Over The Rainbow) as Sharon, Nadine Cox (Wicked) as Ms Mason, Joshua Dowen (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) as Louis, Evelyn Hoskins (Spring Awaking, Misfits) as Rhonda, Kane Oliver Parry (The Light Princess) as Goose and Ben Stott (Into the Woods,Wicked) as Davey.

They will be joined by
Amy Bridges, Luke Dart, Joao Diogo, Callum Evans, Beki Hamilton, Ross Harbron, Cameron Hay, Megan Jenkins, Millie-rose Keutenius,Meesha Lyth, Alice Martin, Jordan Matthews, Phil McCloskey, Samuel Morgan-Grahame, Simone Murphy, Parisa Shahmir, Rose Shalloo, Genevieve Taylor, George Tebbutt, Sam Toland, Jessica West and Richard Watkins.

Grease 2 is being performed live in concert for one night only at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue on Monday 27th January 2014 at 7:30pm and 11:00 pm.

Telling the love story of Pink Lady Stephanie Zinone and English student Michael Carrington, Grease 2 follows their road to romance from bowling alley to burger joint, sing-a-long-a-sex education class to talent show, and long  romantic motorcycle rides to a slightly incongruous ending.

Featuring the hit songs including Who’s That Guy?, Score Tonight, Cool Rider, Girl for all Seasons and Rock-a-Hula Luau (Summer Is Coming), Grease 2 In Concert celebrates the infamous styles, moves and wheels of the greatest high school of all time.

Tickets for Cool Rider/Grease 2

Heather Headley Cancels Concert

Updated 31st January:

Unfortunately Heather Headley has had to cancel her concert on Sunday posting the following message on her facebook page:

To my dear friends in London and beyond... This has not been my favorite note to write but, here goes: Regrettably my show at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London on 2nd February has been cancelled. 

I was hoping that my album 'Only One in the World' would be released prior to the show date, but due to unavoidable timing issues, it's meant that the album's release has to be delayed, and so, the promotional tour must be postponed. I truly hope to play the show at a later date, once the album has been released. I apologise for any inconvenience that this will cause, and the promoters are offering full refunds at point of purchase.
 
While in England, I was blessed to meet and have some of THE most supportive and kind people show up at that theater. I wanted to do this show for YOU...as my thanks to you. I'm terribly disappointed that it cannot be at this time (the band was in place, lights, songs...we were ready!), but I hope that I'll be able to see you soon.  Until then, My apologies...and my sincere thanks. Heather

Heather Headley has been appearing as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard and is now due to return to the UK to perform Encore - An Evening With Heather Headley at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sunday 2nd February 2014 at 19:00.

Buy tickets for Heather Headley.

Sunday, October 27

Geronimo Rauch & David Bedella in Friday Night is Fright Night

BBC Radio 2 is presenting Friday Night Is Fright Night on 1st November at 8:00 pm featuring scary musical moments. The Friday Night singers include Geromino Rauch who is currently appearing as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera,West End leading man David Bedella and soprano Leila Benn Harris accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Robert Ziegler.

Radio 2's own "Dark Lord" Alex Lester is presenting the show which includes music from Alien (Jerry Goldsmith); Danse Macabre (Saint Saens); Jaws (John Williams); Bride of Frankenstein (Franz Waxman); Psycho (Bernard Herrmann) and Tubular Bells (Mike Oldfield) - used in the Exorcist and recently voted the most scary film of all time.

Wednesday, October 23

Cast Announced for New Production of Hairspray at Leicester Curve

Updated 30th January: Paul Kerryson is directing a new production of the musical Hairspray at Leicester’s Curve opening on the 28th February,  press night on 5th  March and running until 5th April 2014. Lee Proud is choreographing and Ben Atkinson is the musical director.

David Witts (Joey Branning in EastEnders) will play Link Larkin and he will be joined by Rebecca Craven/Tracy: Damian Williams/Edna: John Barr/Wilbur: Zizi Strallen/Penny: Tyrone Huntley/Seaweed: Claudia Kariuki/Motormouth: Callum Train/Corny: Sophie-Louise Dann/ Velma: Vicki Lee Taylor/Amber: Samara Casteallo/Inez: Sorelle Marsh /Female Authority Figure: Ryan Pidgen/Male Authority Figure: Cleopatra Joseph, Jamine Kerr, Sharon Wattis/Dynamites and ensemble members Lucy Ashenden, Michelle Andrews, Matt Gillett, Matt Jones, Joseph Connor and Charlie Bull.

Tickets for Hairspray  

Ramin Karimloo, Will Swenson and Cassie Levy in Les Miserables on Broadway

Ramin Karimloo has played Jean Valjean in the London West End version of Les Miserables, is currently reprising the role in Toronto in Canada and is now due to  take it to Broadway opening at the Imperial Theatre on 1st March 2014.

He will be joined by Tony Award nominee Will Swenson as Inspector Javert,  West End and Broadway actress Caissie Levy as Fantine and Tony Award winner Nikki M James as Eponine.


Tuesday, October 22

Caroline Quentin joins cast of Oh What a Lovely War

Theatre Royal Stratford East is presenting a revival of Joan Littlewood's satirical musical Oh What a Lovely War from 1st February - 15th March 2014.

It will be in the 50th anniversary year of the original production which premiered at Theatre Royal Stratford East on 19th March 1963 and will coincide with the 100th anniversary of World War I and is full of songs from that era.

Caroline Quentin will perform in the ensemble piece which will be directed by Terry Johnson and designed by Lez Brotherston.  The cast will also include Alice Bailey-Johnson, Ian Bartholomew, Oliver J. Hembrough, Rebecca Howell, Tom Lorcan, Shaun Prendergast, Zoe Rainey, Kyle Redmond-Jones and Michael Simkins.

Tickets for Oh What A Lovely War


Picture of Michael Ball as the Celebrity God in Spamalot

Appearing in Spamalot at London's Playhouse Theatre from 21st-26th October playing God in 2D to raise money for charity.

Behind the scenes footage with Michael Ball and Gary Lineker as they film their Celebrity God appearances.

Louise Dearman New Album and UK Tour

Louise Dearman is appearing as Elphaba in Wicked! until 16th November and will then release a third studio album It's Time which will be released on 18th November and feature songs including Send in the Clowns from A Little Night Music, What I Did For Love from A Chorus Line, People from Funny Girl, The Perfect Year from Sunset Boulevard, I Dreamed a Dream, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Tell Me On a Sunday plus a duet with Shayne Ward of the beautiful Falling Slowly from the musical Once.

Dearman said: “Working on this album has been a whole new experience for me. For years, I’ve shied away from singing or recording iconic musical theatre songs, and tried to find less known material. But this year felt like the right time to embrace all those truly wonderful classics and put them together with some beautiful orchestrations on my new album.It’s really taken me back to my roots and I’m very proud of the end product.”

She is also touring the UK with dates due to be announced later this week.  (The Nuffield Southampton is already selling tickets for 17th March). Will post full list as soon as I have it.

Dolly Parton to Tour UK & Ireland

Dolly Parton has recently announced plans to release her new album Blue Smoke through Dolly Records (date to be confirmed) and is also bringing her Blue Smoke World Tour to Europe next June and July playing 13 dates in arenas across the UK and Ireland.

Tickets for all the venues go on sale 9:00am on on October 25th:

June 8 - Liverpool Echo Arena
June 10 - Belfast Odyssey Arena
June 11 - Dublin O2 Arena
June 12 - Cork Live At The Marquee
June 14 - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena Newcastle
June 15- Aberdeen GE Oil & Gas Arena
June 17 - Glasgow The SSE Hydro
June 20- Leeds First Direct Arena
June 21 - Manchester Phones 4u Arena
June 22 - Birmingham LG Arena
June 24 - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
June 27 - London, O2 Arena
July 2 - Nottingham Capital FM Arena

Book tickets for Dolly Parton

Wednesday, October 16

Betty Blue Eyes to Tour next Spring

Updated 9th November: regional premiere of Betty  is being presented by the Mercury Theatre Colchester, Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Salisbury Playhouse and West Yorkshire Playhouse Dates and booking details here.
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A tour of the Stiles and Drewe musical Betty Blue Eyes which was last seen in the West End in 2011 starring Sarah Lancashire, Reece Shearsmith and an animatronic pig with the voice of Kylie Minogue is now is being planned for Spring 2014.

The creators been reworking the musical for a national tour and putting the finishing touches to it now. 

Leicester Curve presenting Chicago starring Verity Rushworth, Gemma Sutton and David Leonard

This Christmas the Curve in Leicester is presenting Kander & Ebb’s award winning musical Chicago with previews from 29th November,opens on 4th December and runs until18th January 2014.

The production will be directed by Paul Kerryson and casting so far includes Verity Rushworth as Velma Kelly and Gemma Sutton as Roxie Hart with David Leonard as Billy Flynn, Sandra Marvin as Mama Morton and Adam Bailey (Mary Sunshine) and Matthew Barrow (Amos).

They will be joined by  Jocasta Almgill, Ashley Andrews, Michelle Andrews, Harry Francis, Jonny Godbold, Simon Hardwick, Fela Lufadeju, Katy Hards, Anabel Kutay, Jessica Kirton, Lucinda Lawrence, Jon Reynolds, Zizi Strallen and Callum Train.

The Osmonds & David Essex Once In a Lifetime - The Final Tour

Once In A Lifetime – The Final Tour offers the last chance to see your favourite acts together all on one stage at arenas across the country next June.

It features The Osmonds, David Essex,  Showaddywaddy and Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers taking in 8 dates and starting at Manchester’s Phones4U Arena on 20th June and then touring to Leeds, Cardiff, Newcastle, Liverpool, London O2 and Birmingham ending at the Brighton Centre on 28th June.

Booking opens on 18th October.

Book tickets for Once In A Lifetime - the Final Tour

Michael Ball Both Sides Now DVD Release Date

Michael Ball's Both Sides Now' Live DVD recorded at London's Hammersmith Apollo ealier this year will be  released on Monday 11th November but you can pre-order your copy now from Amazon for just  £11.76

Recorded live with a 17-piece band,  the On Both Sides Now Tour features the biggest hits from Michael's recording and stage career, with a new track written by Andrew Lloyd-Webber. This DVD comes with a free bonus 8 track CD.  

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Stephen Ward, I Can't Sing X Factor Musical and Dance 'Til Dawn Tour to Perform at this year's Royal Variety Show

Updated 28th November: Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall attended the show on the 25th November which is now due to be shown on ITV on Monday 9th December from 7:30-10:00 pm

Comedian and actor John Bishop is to host the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium on Monday 25th November. 

West End musicl theatre is represented by  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,  Andrew Lloyd Webber's new Stephen Ward Musical which opens next month and  I Can't Sing - the X Factor Musical which is due to preview next March plus Gary Barlow, Mary J Blige, Jessie J, Rizzle Kicks, Chas & Dave, Bryn Terfel, Torvill & Dean, Olly Murs, Caro Emerald, Dame Edna Everage  and Attraction (the winners of this year's Britain's Got Talent).

Gareth Malone will be appearing with his new choir Voices and Strictly Come Dancing's Flavia Cacace and  will perform with the cast of their new Dance ‘Til Dawn tour. Comedy comes from the  Irish stand-up Jason Byrne and Jimmy Carr.

The show will be screened on ITV in December at a date still to be announced.

Dates for Tour of The Dishwashers starring David Essex

Updated 24th November:  Tour dates for The Dishwashers:
31 January – 15 February
BIRMINGHAM REP
Monday 17 – Saturday 22 February
NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL
Monday 3 – Saturday 8 March
RICHMOND THEATRE
Monday 10 – Saturday 15 March
BROMLEY CHURCHILL THEATRE
Monday 17 – Saturday 22 March
MALVERN FESTIVAL THEATRE
Monday 24 – Saturday 29 March
BRIGHTON THEATRE ROYAL
Monday 31 March – Saturday 5 April
NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL
Monday 7 – Saturday 12 April
CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE

David Essex is returning to the stage next year to play the lead role in the Dishwashers at Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

It is a new play by Morris Panych, directed by Nikolai Foster which opens on 31st January and runs until 15th February ahead of a tour and West End run.

The story centres around young Emmett who was a high flyer in the City and a regular customer in an upmarket restaurant, but due to a recent reversal in fortunes he ends up working there as a dishwasher. His new colleagues are Dressler (played by David Essex) who has been quite happy scraping and scrubbing for over 30 years and is a bit of a philosopher, and Moss who is well past his sell by date and heading for the dustbin.

In this world of dirty dishes, soapsuds and despair, playwright Morris Panych brings wit and humour to their quest for existential meaning.

David Essex has recently completed two films: Traveller which is the story of a boy and his search for his identity in the gypsy community and Meet The Guvnors about gangland wars between two generations. He said: “I am delighted to be creating the part of Dressler in the premiere of the remarkable new play The Dishwashers. Birmingham Repertory Theatre has a wonderful reputation and I am looking forward to being part of the new season at the recently re-opened theatre”.

Tuesday, October 15

Linzi Hateley:True Colours Cabaret

As part of St James Studio Theatre Cabaret Nights, West End leading lady Linzi Hateley is performing True Colours at 20:00 on Wednesday 18th December.

The intimate evening will include songs and stories from Linzi’s career with a few surprises along the way. She is best known for starring roles in shows including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Carrie, Les Miserables, The Secret Garden, Chicago, Mary Poppins and Mamma Mia!

Buy tickets for Linzi Hateley: True Colours

Tour of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Cancelled

The new tour of  The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee starring Darren Day and Niki Evans has been cancelled due to lack of funding shortly after it began its six-week run which was due to end on 16th November.

The tour started on 3rd October at Harlow Playhouse and was at the Croydon Fairfield Halls on October 8th and 9th but all future dates have now been cancelled.
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The musical was produced by Ash Productions Live, the Harlow Playhouse and Patch of Blue. A spokesman for Ash Productions Live confirmed the rest of the show’s run had been cancelled but could not comment further.

Ticketholders should contact their point of sale for a refund.

Kim Criswell, Maria Friedman and Michael Xavier performing Sondheim Inside Out

Kim Criswell, Maria Friedman Michael Xavier and Turlough Convery will be performing Sondheim Inside Out in concert on Sunday 10th November at 3:00 pm at the Queen Elizabeth Hall (Southbank Centre).

They will be covering the best hits from the best shows: Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, The Frogs, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George under the direction of Jonathan Butterell, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra conduced by Keith Lockhart.

Denise Van Outen Tour of Some Girl I used to Know

Denise Van Outen has co-written a new musical Some Girl I Used to Know with Terry Ronald who was the vocal arranger on the 2007 West End revival of  Rent,  he created The Hurly Burly Show and was writer and vocal arranger on Orchid which is a musical, burlesque, circus extravaganza in South Miami.

It is a one woman show which tells the story of Stephanie Canworth (played by DVO) who has it all. She is beautiful with a successful career and a supportive husband. But a Facebook blast from the past brings temptations when all the old memories flooding back:candy floss, kisses, first loves and broken hearts. It is an intimate, cheeky and warm story about dealing with life and love … both past and present.

Some Girl I Used to Know has a mix tape of songs from the 80s and 90s including Culture Club, Donna Summer and Soft Cell.  Denise Van Outen's  musical theatre credits include Tell Me on a Sunday, Chicago, Legally Blonde and most recently her appearance on last year's Strictly Come Dancing when she reached the semi finals.

Booking is now open for the tour which starts next January at Leeds Playhouse (January 29th-8th February) and then goes on to Birmngham New Alexandra  (February 10-12):  Hull New Theatre  (February 13-15): Aylesbury Waterside (February 17-19): Wolverhampton Grand (February 20-22): Swindon Wyvern (February 24-26):  High Wycombe Swan  (February 27-March 1): Rhyl Pavilion (March 6-8): Southend Palace Theatre (March 13-15): Dartford Orchard (March 17-19) and Edinburgh King's from March 21-23.

Book tickets for Some Girl I Used to Know


Monday, October 14

Beatles Let it Be Musical To Tour

The highly successful Beatles hit show Let It Be is currently booking at the  Savoy Theatre until February, and now it has been announced that it will tour the UK and Ireland from 28 February 2014.

It will kick off at the Palace Theatre Manchester with an official opening night on Monday 3rd March and will then visit Torquay, Birmingham, Sunderland, Stoke, Liverpool, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Bristol, Southampton, Cardiff, Northampton, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Sheffield and Southend.

Several of the original London cast will tour with the full company to be announced shortly.

Tickets go on sale today

Saturday, October 12

Scrooge tour opening delayed after Tommy Steele is injured

The musical Scrooge starring Tommy Steele was due to open at Wimbledon Theatre on 23rd October, but it has now been cancelled after the star was injured. The tour has also been removed from Birmingham Alexandra (28 October - 2 November) and High Wycombe Swan (5 - 9 November) and now looks as though it will open at the Southampton Mayflower on 12th November.

Apparently Tommy Steele has suffered an injury which requires immediate surgery. Hopefully he will be well enough for the show to open in November.

Tim Rice Free Masterclass on Musicals

As part of the Bloomsbury Festival,  Sir Tim Rice is giving a special talk which will look back over his long career in music, theatre and films on 17th October from 6:00-7:00 pm at the George V Hall, Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1.

He will explore his work with Andrew Lloyd Webber, Alan Menken, Elton John, Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and will also talk about  From Here To Eternity which is his first totally new show for 13 years opening at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 23rd October.

Although this is a free event tickets should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.  If booking is full or closed you can still turn up on the day as at least 50% of seats are available on a first come, first served basis.

Friday, October 11

Samantha Barks, Richard Fleeshman and Frances Ruffelle Bend It Like Beckham Workshop

A workshop has been held for the proposed new musical Bend It Like Beckham (based on the 2002 film of the same name) with Samantha Barks playing Jules (Keira Knightley in the film).

Tara Divina played Jess the Sikh schoolgirl who wants to be able to play like her hero.

It was a pretty impressive run through including Frances Ruffelle, Shobna Gulati, Preeya Kalidas and Richard Fleeshman which was directed by Gurinder Chadha (director and  co-writer of the film). Howard Goodall and Charles Hart are working on the score and a choreographic workshop is expected to be held before the end of the year.

The plan is to have the musical ready by the end of 2014 or early 2015.

Richard Fleeshman to Star in Urinetown

Richard Fleeshman was last seen in the West End starring as the ghostly Sam Wheat in Ghost which he subsequently took to Broadway.  He is now about to return to London in the cult Broadway musical Urinetown which runs at St James' Theatre from February 22nd-3rd May next year.  The show has music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book and lyrics by Greg Kotis.

Fleeshman plays downtrodden Bobby Strong who is an assistant toilet attendant in a city that has a terrible drought where tycoon Caldwell B Cladwell has made his fortune through bribery and monopolisation of public toilets. With a brutal police force the corrupt city needs a revolution and every revolution needs a hero ...

Fleeshman's acting career began at the age of 12 when he played Craig Harris for four years in Coronation Street. He appeared in “All The Small Things" opposite Sarah Lancashire and Neil Pearson and was the youngest contestant to win a Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes at the age of 13. He also won Soapstar Superstar in 2006, signed a major record deal with Universal Records in 2007, wrote his debut album and toured with Sir Elton John on his Summer Stadium, Red Piano and European Tours. West End credits include  Legally Blonde  at the Savoy Theatre and Ghost at the Piccadilly.

Other cast members include Jenna Russell/Penelope Pennywise, Cory English/Hot Blades Harry/Old Man Strong , Jonathan Slinger/Officer Lockstock (who narrates the piece) with Matthew Seadon-Young/Robbie The Stockfish/Business Man #1, Madeleine Harland/Soupy Sue/Cladwell's Secretary, Katie Bernstein/Little Becky Two Shoes/Mrs Millennium, Rosanna Hyland/Hope Cladwell,  Julie Jupp/Old Woman/Josephine Strong, Mark Meadows/Senator Fipp and swings Joel Montague and Jo Napthine. They will be directed by Jamie Lloyd who has just opened The Commitments at the Palace Theatre.

Listen to the creative team telling you all about the show at the launch of Urinetown here.

Buy tickets for Urinetown

Wednesday, October 9

Miss Saigon Casting to be completed late December

In a bid to stop some of the speculation about casting for Miss Saigon which opens in London next May , a spokesperson for Cameron Mackintosh's new production has jut said  "The casting is not yet completed for Miss Saigon and will not be until later in the year as the Director, Laurence Connor, is currently directing Les Miserables in Toronto."  This Canadian production stars Ramin Karimloo as Valjean and Earl Carpenter as Javert.

Full Cast Announced for Candide at the Menier

The Menier Chocolate Factory is presenting 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.

Two more cast members have just been announced:

Jackie Clune (old lady) has most recently played Violet in the national tour of the musical 9 to 5.  Her other stage credits include the international tour of Mamma Mia,  playing Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre and  Mogadishu at the Lyric Hammersmith.

James Dreyfus (Dr Pangloss) played the Emcee in Cabaret, Lyric Theatre; Carmen Ghia in The Producers, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane; Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Theatre Royal, Haymarket; and Lady In The Dark at the National Theatre for which he won an Olivier Award. TV/film credits include Gimme, Gimme, Gimme; The Thin Blue Line and Notting Hill.

The cast also includes Fra Fee as Candide, Cassidy Janson/Paquette, Ben Lewis/Govenor and Vanderdendur, Scarlett Strallen/Cunegonde and David Thaxton/Maximillian. They will be joined by Carly Anderson, Jeremy Batt, Michael Cahill, Christopher Jacobsen, Frankie Jenna, Rachel Spurrell, Helen Walsh and Matt Wilman.


Tickets for Candide



Monday, October 7

Russell Watson to play Jean Valjean?

Updated 30th October: in an interview in the Manchester Evening News Russell has revealed that last month he met with Sir Cameron Mackintosh about taking over taking on the part of John Valjean for a six-month run in the West End.

He is now considering the offer, but if he does take on the role it wouldn’t be until the end of 2014 at the earliest saying “The next plan is that I do a workshop where I have to sing some of the songs and try acting. A lot of fantastic artists have played that role including the first Valjean Colm Wilkinson who was sensational.I think it is a role I would do justice to".
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According to an article in today's Standard,  Salford tenor Russell Watson is set to make his West End debut as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables.

He is currently working with Les Miserables writers Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg on a new album Only One Man which will be released in November and features songs from their musicals plus some new numbers which they have written especially for him.  It is being produced by Schonberg and will be accompanied by a stage show which will tour the UK.

Watson has now disclosed he has held secret meetings with producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh saying: “I went to see Cameron Mackintosh about doing Les Misérables. We’ve had a good chat about that. It’s something I’d like to do. It would give me a huge amount of satisfaction to play a role like Valjean. I would do it in the West End, towards the end of 2014. Claude-Michel keeps saying, ‘When are you going to do Valjean? I’d be perfect because I now have the life experience to draw on. Valjean is a tortured soul.”

Summer Strallen, Kim Ismay, Sam Buttery, Wendi Peters, Darren Bennett, Alan Burkett and Jordan Lee Davis Cabaret in the House

The next Cabaret in the House October to December season at Lauderdale House features performers Summer Strallen supported by Josh Little (20th October): Kim Ismay supported by Jordan Langford (27th October) : Sam Buttery supported by Gillian Deas (3rd November): Wendi Peters supported by Paul Hutton (10th November): Darren Bennett and Alan Burkett (17th November) and Jordan Lee Davis supported by Emma Ralston (24th November).

Each Sunday afternoon performer treats you to 40 minutes of songs and chat introduced by the host Tim McArthur accompanied by Ed Bussey. 


Tickets for Cabaret in the House

Damian Humbley, Jon Robyns, Kit Orton, Gerard Carey and Matthew Hendrickson in DIckens Abridged at Arts

Casting has just been announced for Dickens Abridged which will be running at the Arts Theatre from 27th November-5th January 2014.

Damian Humbley (Charles Dickens) was most recently seen as Charley Kringas in Merrily We Roll Along at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Harold Pinter Theatre. Other recent credits include Harry in Company at Sheffield Crucible, Lend Me A Tenor at the Gielgud Theatre, Shoes at the Peacock Theatre, Seymour in the UK Tour of Little Shop of Horrors and Jamie in the UK Premiere of The Last Five Years at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

Jon Robyns (Fagin, Scrooge and many other characters) is currently playing Sir Galahad in Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre. Other recent credits include Hollis Bessemer in Road Show at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Enjolras in the 25th Anniversary Production of Les Misérables, Marius in Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre and Princeton/Rod in the Original Cast of Avenue Q at the Noel Coward Theatre.

Kit Orton (Miss Havisham, David Copperfield and many others) is currently appearing alongside Jon as Sir Lancelot in Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre. Other recent credits include The Hired Man at Leicester Curve and Arabian Nights, Spend Spend Spend and Martin Guerre, all at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury.

Gerard Carey (Tiny Tim, Oliver Twist and others) has appeared in Soho Cinders at Soho Theatre, Master Class at the Vaudeville Theatre, Ex at Soho Theatre, Invisible Man at the Menier Chocolate Factory, as Prince Herbert in Spamalot at the Palace Theatre and as Robertson Ay in the Original Cast of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre. At the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park Gerard has appeared in The Taming Of The Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Two Gentlemen Of Verona and High Society.

Matthew Hendrickson (Mr. Micawber, The Ghost of Christmas Present and others) has appeared in the West End productions of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) and The Complete History of America (Abridged) at the Criterion Theatre. Other recent credits include Feathers in the Snow at Southwark Playhouse and The Full Monty at the English Theatre, Frankfurt

A high-speed comic sprint through Dickens' Greatest Hits, Dickens Abridged sees our absurdly talented cast of five Charles Dickens devotees bring hundreds of the great author’s best-loved characters to life in 90-minutes of madcap Dickensian mayhem. From Great Expectations complete with flaming bride, to A Christmas Carol in which Tiny Tim rocks the house with a soaring electric guitar solo, Dickens Abridged will take you on a hilarious ride through the thrills and spills of some of Charlie’s greatest works including David Copperfield, Bleak House, A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby.

Dickens Abridged also reveals some fascinating and bizarre-but-true stories from Charles Dickens' own life, including his complicated romantic entanglements, and his inexplicable enthusiasm for performing the bludgeoning scene from Oliver Twist, over and over and over again.

A love-letter to the life and works of one of the world’s greatest authors, Dickens Abridged is guaranteed to show the wonderful world of Dickens as never seen before.

Dickens Abridged is written and directed by Adam Long, who was a founding member of the Reduced Shakespeare Company.  The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), which Adam directed and co-wrote, ran in the West End for nine years and was nominated for an Olivier Award as well as running twice Off-Broadway and in successful tours all over the world. Other stage work includes The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) and The Complete History of America (abridged) for the Reduced Shakespeare Company and Deconstructing Albert at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre. Work for TV includes History on Toast and Last Minute Book Reports for the Disney Channel, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) for PBS, Trigger Happy TV for Channel Four and Star Wars Shortened for LucasFilm/BSkyB.

Dickens Abridged is co-created by Alex Jackson-Long, whose many credits as a television producer include The Kumars at No. 42, Armstrong & Miller, Trigger Happy TV, Fonejacker, and The Lenny Henry Show. Work as a film producer includes The Barn (Winner of a British Independent Film Award), and the BAFTA-nominated short film Skin & Blister starring Fiona Shaw. Theatre credits include casting director for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) at the Criterion Theatre, and associate producer of Alan Cumming’s one-man show I Bought a Blue Car Today at the Vaudeville Theatre. 

Tickets for Dickens Abridged

Dr Who's Matt Smith to Star in American Psycho at Almeida

Doctor Who star Matt Smith is to make his musical theatre debut in American Psycho which  runs at the Almeida Theatre from 3rd December-25th January 2014.

He will lead the cast as Patrick Bateman in Rupert Goold's production which has an opening night on 12th December. Joining him is a strong West End cast including Ben Aldridge, Charlie Anson, Jonathan Bailey, Katie Brayben, Cassandra Compton, Holly Dale Spencer, Susannah Fielding, Simon Gregor, Holly James, Lucie Jones, Tom Kay, Gillian Kirkpatrick, Eugene McCoy and Hugh Skinner.

American Psycho tells the story a self-possessed serial killer working on Wall Street in the 1980s. The  2000 film starring Christian Bale  has sold more than 1.6 million copies worldwide and has become a cult classic

Matt Smith played the eleventh Doctor Who. His theatre credits include Swimming with Sharks (Vaudeville), That Face (Duke of York's) and The History Boys (National).


Buy tickets for American Psycho


Saturday, October 5

Julie Andrews Cabaret Julie Madly Deeply at Trafalgar Studios

West End actress and Fascinating Aida star Sarah-Louise Young is performing Julie Madly Deeply,  at the Trafalgar Studios 2 Theatre from 25th November to 4th January 2014.

This cheeky yet affectionate cabaret takes a look at the fame of singer Julie Andrews with songs from musicals including Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady intertwined with stories and anecdotes about Andrews’ own life, from her beginnings as a child star to the recent challenges of losing her singing voice.

Written by Sarah-Louise Young, the show is directed by Russell Lucas, musical direction by Michael Roulston, and produced by James Seabright by arrangement with One Eyed Man Productions.


Tickets for Julie Madly Deeply

Simon Bailey, Natalie Casey, Damian Humbley, Sarah Ingram and Michael Matus in If It Only Even Runs a Minute

West End stars Simon Bailey, Natalie Casey, Damian Humbley, Sarah Ingram and Michael Matus lead the line-up of  the If It Only Even Runs a Minute evening celebrating great musical theatre that has been left unappreciated by today's audiences.

It is being performed at the London Hippodrome Casino at 7:00 n 10:00 pm on Sunday 20th October with tickets at £10, £20, £25, £30

They join series regulars Christopher Bartlett, Lydia Grant, Oliver Southgate and Georgia Thomas together with special guests Richard Free, Matthew Rowland and Ashley Stirling.

They will be performing numbers from musicals including The Biograph Girl, Romeo and Juliet, Nine Wives, Murderous Instincts, Dance a Little Closer, Lend Me a Tenor, The Wild Party (Lippa version), Bat Boy, YEE-HAW!!, Evening Primrose, Dogfight, Kelly and The Wedding Singer.

Directed by Padraig Kennedy with musical direction by Barney Ashworth. Produced by Oliver Southgate for Tinyhuge Ltd in association with Ava Eldred.
 
Buy tickets for If It Only Even runs a Minute

London Cast Recording of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory out on Monday

The London cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which is currently playing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane have made a recording of the show which is out on Monday 7th October.

You can order a copy from Amazon for £9.99 with free super saver delivery.

The 20 tracks with performers are as follows:

1. Opening - Jamie Talbot, Company, Colin Skinner, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher
2. Almost Nearly Perfect - Jamie Talbot, Colin Skinner, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher, Jack Costello
3. The Amazing Fantastical History Of Mr. Willy Wonka - Jamie Talbot, Roni Page, Colin Skinner, Nigel Planer, Myra Sands, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Billy Boyle, Nikki Belsher
4. A Letter From Charlie Bucket - Jamie Talbot, Colin Skinner, The Bucket Family, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher, Jack Costello
5. News Of Augustus - Jamie Talbot, Company, Kate Graham, Colin Skinner, Ross Dawes, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher
6. More Of Him To Love - Jamie Talbot, Colin Skinner, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher, Jasna Ivir, Jenson Steele, Joe Allen
7. News Of Veruca - Jamie Talbot, Kate Graham, Colin Skinner, Ross Dawes, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher
8. When Veruca Says - Jamie Talbot, Tia Noakes, Colin Skinner, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher, Clive Carter
9. News Of Violet - Jamie Talbot, Kate Graham, Colin Skinner, Ross Dawes, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher
10. The Double Bubble Duchess - Paul Medford, Jamie Talbot, Colin Skinner, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Jade Johnson, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher
11. News Of Mike - Jamie Talbot, Kate Graham, Colin Skinner, Ross Dawes, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher
12. It's Teavee Time! - Jamie Talbot, Colin Skinner, Jay Heyman, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Iris Roberts, Nikki Belsher
13. If Your Mother Were Here - Jamie Talbot, Colin Skinner, Jack Shalloo, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Alex Clatworthy, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher
14. Don'cha Pinch Me Charlie - Jamie Talbot, Company, Colin Skinner, Nigel Planer, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher, Jack Costello
15. It Must Be Believed To Be Seen - Jamie Talbot, Douglas Hodge, Company, Colin Skinner, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher
16. Strike That, Reverse It - Jamie Talbot, Douglas Hodge, Company, Colin Skinner, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher
17. The Chocolate Room - Jamie Talbot, Douglas Hodge, Company, Colin Skinner, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher, Jack Costello
18. Simply Second Nature - Jamie Talbot, Douglas Hodge, Colin Skinner, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher
19. Augustus' Downfall - Jamie Talbot, Douglas Hodge, Colin Skinner, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Nikki Belsher, Jasna Ivir, Jenson Steele
20. Auf Wiedersehen Augustus Gloop - Jamie Talbot, Douglas Hodge, Colin Skinner, The Original London Cast Recording, Nick Moss, Phij Adams, Oompa-Loompas, Nikki Belsher, Jasna Ivir, Jenson Steele

Thursday, October 3

John Barrowman to host Pressure Pad Quiz Show

John Barrowman has been in the States for much of this year and is returning to the UK over Christmas to appear in pantomime with The Krankies.

He is next on our TV screens in November hosting a new daily quiz on BBC1  called Pressure Pad. Contestants are asked to answer general knowledge questions while standing in an illuminated arena (the pressure pad).

Two teams of five players will play against each other in head-to-head heats before the winners of the previous round compete in a team final.

Barrowman said "I am thrilled to be hosting this new innovative quiz show for BBC One and look forward to seeing whether contestants can take the heat on the Pressure Pad, and join in having fun with me."

Full Cast for Tour of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

The full cast has just been announced for the new tour of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake which opens at Plymouth Theatre Royal on 18th October and spends the Christmas season in London at Sadler's Wells.

Returning to the iconic role of The Swan are Jonathan Ollivier and Chris Trenfield (from 14 January 2014) who have both made the role of The Swan their own. Jonathan Ollivier, a former star of Northern Ballet Theatre, was last seen as the mysterious Speight in New Adventures’ Play Without Words, and recently with Michael Clark. Chris Trenfield is currently starring as Leo in Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty and will join the Swan Lake company on his return from the USA tour of that production in December. He has also played leading roles in New Adventures’ Play Without Words and Nutcracker!

The Prince will be played by Simon Williams, Sam Archer and Liam Mower (from 14 January 2014). Simon remains the only artist to have ever played both The Prince and The Swan in this production, and he will be doing the same again in this revival. He has just completed 12 years with Michael Clark Company, and also has a long history with New Adventures in Nutcracker!, The Car Man, and Matthew Bourne’s Christmas for Channel 4. Sam Archer has been a New Adventures leading man for over 10 years, creating the role of Edward Scissorhands, as well as leading roles in The Car Man, Play Without Words and Cinderella. Liam Mower, recently seen in Sleeping Beauty in his first Principal role as Count Lilac, was the original Olivier award-winning star of the West End’s Billy Elliot. He joined New Adventures in 2011, and, following Sleeping Beauty, will be joining this production in January 2014.

The Queen will be portrayed by  Madelaine Brennan, Saranne Curtin and Michela Meazza. Madelaine Brennan was last seen in this production playing, The Girlfriend. A role that she subsequently played in the 2011 3D Film for SKY Arts. She has played a wide variety of roles in New Adventures productions from Cinderella to Edward Scissorhands and Nutcracker!. Saranne Curtin is one of the most important dancers ever to have worked with New Adventures, having created the leading roles of Lana in The Car Man, Sugar in the 2012 revival and 2013 film of Nutcracker! and Glenda in Play Without Words. She was in the original cast of Swan Lake (as The Italian Princess) and comes out of retirement to once again play The Queen, a role for which she received much praise in several UK and International tours of this production. Michela Meazza, a recent nominee for the outstanding female dancer at the National Dance Awards, will be making her debut in this role. Michela is one of New Adventures foremost dancer/actors, having created the roles of Lady H in Dorian Gray and Joyce in Edward Scissorhands as well as leading roles in Play Without Words (original cast), The Car Man, Nutcracker! and Cinderella.

The Girlfriend will be played by Anjali Mehra, Kerry Biggin and Carrie Johnson. Anjali Mehra was last seen in New Adventures’ Play Without Words and will also be dancing the role of The Queen during this revival. Kerry is one of New Adventures most experienced and versatile performers, having created the role of Kim in Edward Scissorhands and has starred in every Bourne production of the last 10 years. Carrie Johnson was last seen in Nutcracker! in 2011/12 and will also be seen as The Moth Maiden and French Princess in this revival.

 Rejoining the New Adventures Company for this revival are Tom Clark, Glenn Graham, Tim Hodges, Jack Jones, Katrina Lyndon, Jamie-Emma McDonald and Paul Smethurst. Making their Debut with New Adventures are Chris Agius Darmanin , Michael Barnes, Stephanie Billers, Cordelia Braithwaite, Otis-Cameron Carr, Nicole Cato, Emma Chadwick, Harry Clark, Tom Cummings, Iván Delgardo del Río, Freya Field, Robin Gladwin, Chantelle Gotobed, PJ Hurst, Luke Jackson, Graham Kotowich, Andy Macleman, Edd Mitton, Kyle Murray and Ashley-Jordon Packer.

 Making their professional debut in this production are Tom Broderick, Reece Haydn Causton and Andrew Monaghan (all from Central School of Ballet).

Tony Robinson to Narrate ROH's Wind in the Willows

The Blackadder and Time Team star Tony Robinson is returning to theatre for the first time in 16 years appearing in ROH's West End Wind in the Willows which runs at the Duchess Theatre from 11th December until 1st February. He will be narrating the show in the guise of the book's author Kenneth Grahame. This is is the first ROH production to transfer commercially into the West End.

Robinson received a knighthood in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours. He has previously appeared in the West End with credits including Stop The World I Want To Get Off at the Queens, Stephen D and Once Upon A Time at the Duke of York's, The Beggar's Opera at the Apollo, Follow The Star at The Westminster, The Apple Cart at The Saville, Piaf at The Piccadilly and Oresteia at the National.

The cast also features Will Kemp (Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake), who will reprise his role as Ratty, Cris Penfold as Toad, Christopher Akrill as Badger and Clemmie Sveaas as Mole.

Other members of the company include: Ewan Wardrop, Paul James Rooney, Kayleigh Gore, Connor Dowling, Kirsty Mather, Anna Martine, Jo Meredith and Aron Wild.

Choreographed and directed by Will Tuckett, the production is in its tenth anniversary year and sees Kenneth Grahame's classic retold through dance, song, music and puppetry.

Out There New Musical by Loserville Writers

Elliot Davis and James Bourne wrote the critically acclaimed musical Loserville (which I loved and was very sad when it closed). They are now in the process of putting together a new show Out There, which will receive a workshop performance at the St James Theatre in London next week with West End stars Michael Xavier, Dave Willetts and Danielle Hope.

Out There was tried out at the Riverside Studios last July and is about Newman Carter who is a world famous astronaut who disappears in  mysterious circumstances in 1969. Forty years later a troubled young man turns up where he used to live with a letter which changes everything, for everyone...



Presented by Youth Music Theatre UK in association with Josef Weinberger Ltd, it's a heart-warming adventure story all about never, ever giving up on your dreams with electrifying live music and choreography.



Wednesday, October 2

Win Tickets for Once

The London production of Once the Musical are giving fans the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show on Facebook every day in October. The competition is called ONCEtober and can be found on the official Facebook Page of the show: http://bit.ly/oncetober

Fans have to only enter ONCE, and winners will be selected every day of October to win tickets to performances from 1st November to 13th December.

Enter the competition here: http://bit.ly/oncetober

Please use the #ONCEtober hashtag on Twitter and Facebook.

Richard Fleeshman at the Hippodrome

Actor/Singer/Songwriter Richard Fleeshman has just completed a successful run playing Sam Wheat in Ghost The Musical on Broadway which transferred from London's West End.

He is also well known for his television appearances in shows including Coronation Street. All The Small Things, Monday Monday, Midsomer Murders and Blue Murder.  He also supported Sir Elton John for a year on his European stadium tour around Europe and the UK.

He is now back in London performing at the London Hippodrome for just one night on Tuesday 15th October at 11:00 pm

Buy tickets at  £15, £20, £25

Sir Tim Rice, Kerry Ellis, Paul Nicholas and Ben Forster in Pointless Celebrities this Saturday

Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman are presenting a special celebrity West End edition of the general knowledge quiz Pointless this Saturday, 5th October at 5:30 pm on BBC1.

Jodie Prenger will be partnering Gary Wilmot, Kerry Ellis is with Sir Tim Rice, Paul Nicholas with Ben Forster and Danielle Hope and Richard Blackwood.

Tuesday, October 1

Michael Ball Charity Concert in December

Michael Ball has today announced that he is performing a one off show in aid of Shooting Star Chase Children's Hospice at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End on Sunday December 8th.

Tickets for the show are priced between £20 and £85 and will go on sale on Friday October 4th at 9:00 am. Michael Ball's fan club will have access to a pre-sale starting on October 2nd.  Fans should visit buy.atgtickets.com to purchase tickets quioting code they have been given.

VIP Packages are also available at vipnation.co.uk

Shooting Star Chase is a leading children’s hospice which needs to raise £8.5 million a year, just to maintain their current level of care.