Shayne Ward joins cast of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds Tour

At a press launch today for Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds sixth and final tour which starts in November it was announced  that X Factor second series winner Shayne Ward (Rock of Ages) will lead the cast as the Artilleryman.


Liam Neeson appears in 3D holography as the story's narrator journalist George Herbert.  He leads an all star cast including Shayne Ward/the Artilleryman, Brian McFadden (ex Westlife) performing The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist, Jason Donovan is reprising his role as Parson Nathaniel and Carrie Hope Fletcher (Eponine from Les Miserables)  is playing Beth, Parson Nathaniel's Wife and the X Factor's Joseph Whelan is the Voice of Humanity.

Ruthie Henshall to join cast of Billy Elliott

West End leading Ruthie Henshall joining the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre playing Billy's music teacher Mrs Wilkinson.

She is currently in the middle of her tour An Intimate Evening with Ruthie Henshall which ends on 24th April and will take over the role from Anna Jane Casey on May 12th which is nine years to the day that the show officially opened.

From May 12th the cast will include Chris Grahamson as Tony and Barnaby Meredith as older Billy.

Billy Elliot is currently booking to May 2015.

Paul Nicholls,Haydn Gwynne and Michael Maloney join Sheridan Smith in BBC Drama The C Word

Updated 8th June: Paul Nicholls (EastEnders, Law & Order) is playing Lisa Lynch's husband Pete whom she married shortly before being diagnosed with breast cancer aged 28.  Haydn Gwynne (Billy Elliott, Peak Practice) and Michael Maloney (The White Queen, Fleming) will play her parents.  Nate Fallows portrays her brother Jamie and Rebekah Staton and Susannah Field are her friends Gabby and Abigail.
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Sheridan Smith  is to play cancer sufferer and blogger Lisa Lynch in a 90 minute BBC1 film based on her book The C Word. (Which could explain her new shaved hairstyle)

The drama is an adaptation of Lynch’s account of her experience of cancer based on her blog which she started shortly after her diagnosis in 2008. She was involved in choosing Smith to play her shortly before she died in 2013 aged 33.

Sheridan Smith said: “Lisa first contacted me via Twitter, and we quickly became friends.  She called me SS and I called her LL.  Her zest for life was infectious and I was moved and inspired by her courage and bravery.  I couldn't help but love her.  That’s why I want to tell her story.  For Pete, for her family and for everyone who's lives are touched by cancer.  I'm so sad that Lisa won't get to see the finished drama, having been so involved in the development of it.  I'm honoured and humbled that she wanted me to play her on screen, and I hope that I will make her proud.”

The C Word will air next year.

Robert Lonsdale and Anna Jane Casey in Oscars special, And The Winner Is...

West End stars Robert Lonsdale (currently starring in From Here to Eternity) and Anna Jane Casey (Grease, Starlight Express, West Side Story, Chicago,Mack & Mabel, Sunday in the Park with George, Forbidden Boadway) are performing on Friday Night is Music Night tomorrow (Friday 28th February) on BBC Radio 2 at 8:00 pm in an  Oscars special, And The Winner Is...'

They will be singing winning film themes for the Oscars weekend, presented by Film 2014's Danny Leigh with the BBC Concert Orchestra, London Chorus and singers

Cast Announced for the Tour of Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing has just finished running in London's West End at the Piccadilly Theatre, and is now going out on tour starting at the Bristol Hippodrome on 15th March, ending at the Liverpool Empire in April next year.

The cast of the Tour of Dirty Dancing has just been announced with Gareth Bailey starring as Johnny Castle. He appeared in the first  Dirty Dancing UK tour where he played Robbie and  went on to play Johnny Castle in South Africa as part of the international tour of Dirty Dancing, prior to joining the West End company at the Piccadilly Theatre. Other credits include Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show (UK tour); Starlight Express (Germany); Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderella.
 
Roseanna Frascona is  Baby Houseman. Her theatre credits include At First Sight (UK tour); The Taming of the Shrew (international tour); Murder in the Cathedral (Oxford Playhouse) and Antigone (Southwark Playhouse). Claire Rogers is  Penny Johnson (Dirty Dancing (Piccadilly); Chicago (UK tour); Moulin Rouge(Paris and international tours) and La Varieté (Hackney Empire).

They will be joined by Colin Charles/Tito Suarez: James Coombes/Dr. Jake Houseman: Mark Faith/Mr Schumacher: Julia J. Nagle/Marjorie Houseman: Michael Remick/Max Kellerman: Wayne Smith/Billy Kostecki: Alexander Wolfe/Neil Kellerman and Jessie-Lou Yates/Lisa Houseman

Stephen Ward Musical to close on 29th March

The new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Stephen Ward based on the Profumo scandal is to shutter early on 29th March after running for less than four months.  It was booking until May.



In a press statement co-producer Robert Fox said: "I am very proud of the show and our wonderful company. Andrew has never been afraid to embrace difficult and challenging subject matters and Ward’s strong and compelling story highlights a serious miscarriage of justice. The piece set out to explore his  fascinating life as a piece of serious theatre which has now been told to a new generation. The strong critical reviews commend what I think is possibly Andrew's best score in years, paired with some of the finest writing and lyrics Don and Christopher have ever delivered. I am very sad to see the show close in London but firmly believe this piece will be seen by many audiences in the future."

I Can't Sing X Factor Musical cancels first two previews

The X Factor Musical I Can't Sing which was due to start previews later this week on 27th February has now cancelled the first two shows because of “technical issues caused by the ambitious staging” with the first preview now taking place on Saturday 1st March. 

In a statement, producers Stage Entertainment and Syco Entertainment said: “After much careful thought and discussion we’ve decided that we need to take some more time to work on technical aspects of I Can’t Sing! at the Palladium. As audiences will soon see the production is hugely ambitious, and the volume of installation and scale of the set means that technical work has taken slightly longer than could have been anticipated to make the show audience-ready. 

We want everyone who comes to see I Can’t Sing!, from the very first preview, to have the best possible experience. We therefore feel that this course of action is the responsible thing to do as producers, both for our cast and production staff at the theatre and for our audiences. This is not a decision taken lightly and I’d like to apologise to those who had booked, and indeed sold out, these initial two performances. 

Each and every ticket holder will be offered reseating options and should contact their original point of purchase for further details. The entire I Can’t Sing! family cannot wait for everyone to see the show and we thank everyone for their patience and understanding"

Arthur Darvill to join Once the Musical

Arthur Darvill, who has played Guy in the Broadway production of Once the Musical, will join the West End cast  at the Phoenix Theatre from 17th  March.

He will take over the role of the Dublin-based street musician from Declan Bennett. The show recently extended its booking period  to 4th July 2015.

In The Heights Opens at Southwark Playhouse in May

The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical In The Heights will receive its London Premiere  in The Large at Southwark Playhouse from Friday 9th May (press night 15th May ) until 7th June.

Winner of the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, In The Heights is about Washington Heights in Manhattan.  It is a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggle can be deciding which traditions to take with you, and which ones to leave behind. With a  Latin and hip-hop score, In The Heights is a musical about what it takes to make a living, what it costs to have a dream and what it means to be home.

In The Heights opened at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre in February 2008. The production was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, winning four for Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations. It was also nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

The London Premiere will be directed by Luke Sheppard and choreographed by Drew McOnie. Casting to be announced.


Tickets for In The Heights

Kim Criswell & Louise Dearman in A Celebration of Richard Rodgers On Broadway: Act III

Kim Criswell and Louise Dearman are together in A Celebration Of Richard Rodgers On Broadway: Act III which is a concert of his rarely performed songs at the Wigmore Hall in London on March 8th at 7:30 pm.

They will be joined by William Burden and the Nash Ensemble in an evening including highlights from the show he wrote with Sondheim, Do I Hear a Waltz? rarely performed and never seen in the West End as well as numbers from Once Upon A Mattress, No Strings, Two By Two and The Sound Of Music.

Tickets for A Celebration Of Richard Rodgers On Broadway: Act III

Frances Ruffelle, Rhydian Roberts, Paul Potts, Joe McElderry, Alistair Brammer and Jessie Wallace Busting to Sing

The breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! have announced a gala concert, Busting to Sing, which will take place at the Palace Theatre in London's West End on Mother's Day,  Monday 31st March  at 7:30 pm.

It will be hosted by TV Presenter Matt Johnson, and feature performances from Frances Ruffelle,  Rhydian Roberts, Paul Potts, Joe McElderry, Joanna Forest, Alistair Brammer (soon to play Chris in Miss Saigon), Nancy Sullivan, EastEnder Jessie Wallace and X Factor finalists Kingsland Road -  with more names to be announced soon.

Tickets for Busting to Sing

Gary Barlow and Tim Firth Calendar Girls Musical

Composer Gary Barlow and lyricist and Tim Firth, who is writer of the show Calendar Girls, have been working on a musical version of the stage show.

Firth said the new musical show will be very different: "It would need to be about the town, the women and the husbands. The first workshop for this will be in a church hall, and then we’ll see what will happen to it.".

Firth said he and  Barlow knew each other as teenagers and had already written over 50 songs ‘for women of a certain age’, with about 25% being used.

Beverley Knight confirmed to star in Memphis the Musical at the Shaftesbury

Memphis the Musical is now confirmed to start previews on 9th October and open at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End on 23rd October.

The fabulous Beverley Knight is currently playing the lead role of Rachel Marron (played by Whitney Houston in the film) in The Bodyguard until 31st May, after which she will playing the lead role of Felicia Farrell in Memphis

The musical tells the fictional story of Huey Calhoun who was one of the first white disc jockeys who dared to play rhythm and blues music for his white teenage listeners in the 1950s. Some of the action also takes place in Delray's, an underground black Rock and Roll bar. It is all about segregation,  winning four 2010 Tony awards including best musical and running for 1,165 performances on Broadway before touring the US.

Public booking opens for the show on 13 March.

Marti Webb joins David Essex at Godspell in Concert

Updated 11th March: David Essex 1974 co-stars, Marti Webb, Gay Soper, Tom Saffery, Deryk Parkin and Jacquie Ann Carr are confirmed to join him on stage at the end of the evening. Julie Covington, who was also in the original cast, will be abroad and unable to attend, but it is still hoped that Jeremy Irons - who played John the Baptist - can join them, subject to filming commitments.

As already mentioned, the rock musical GODSPELL is to return to the West End  42 years after its premiere as a one-off charity gala concert performance in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK.

The line up has just been announced with original West End cast member David Essex (he played Jesus) hosting the event at the Lyric Theatre on Monday 19th May at 7:30.

Performers include  Zoe Tyler and Andy Abraham with a West End cast, live band and 32-strong choir led by members of Maida Vale Singers and American Musical Theatre Academy.

Zoe Tyler was until recently a regular presenter on ITV1’s  Loose Women. She first appeared in the West End as Fantine in Les Misérables, the tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, City of Angels, the Narrator in Joseph and singing legend Eva Cassidy in Over The Rainbow.

Since coming second on The X Factor in 2005 Andy Abraham has sold out the Royal Albert Hall and released four albums selling over half a million records.

The rest of the cast includes: Stewart Clarke (Sam Wheat in the UK tour of Ghost), Rob Houchen (Marius in Les Misérables), Sarah Galbraith (The Phantom of The Opera), Katie Paine (We Will Rock You), Turlough Convery from E4’s Fresh Meat (Stephen Sondheim Student Performer of the Year), Jason Broderick (Sweeney Todd ) and Laura Darton (finalist in the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year 2013).  

Tickets for Godspell in Concert

Rufus Bonds Jr, Nicola Hughes, Phillip Boykin and Sharon D Clarke to star in Porgy & Bess at Open Air Theatre

Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess will run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 17 July to 23 August.

Directed by Timothy Sheader the cast will include American actor Rufus Bonds Jr  who has appeared in The Color Purple (US National Tour), Disney’s The Lion King (US National Tour) and the original Broadway production of Parade for which he was nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical.  

Nicola Hughes reprises the role of Bess following her Olivier Award nominated performance in Trevor Nunn’s 2006 production at the Savoy Theatre. Her stage credits also include The Color Purple (Menier Chocolate Factory), Fosse (Prince of Wales Theatre/ Olivier Award nomination) and Velma Kelly in Chicago (Adelphi Theatre).

Porgy and Bess will also star Phillip Boykin who will reprise the role of Crown, for which he received Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations for the 2012 Broadway production (Tony Award, Best Revival of a Musical).

Double Laurence Olivier Award nominee Sharon D Clarke,whose credits include We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre), Ghost (Piccadilly Theatre) and The Amen Corner(National Theatre) will play the role of Mariah.

Further casting to be announced shortly.

Tickets for Porgy and Bess

Simon Bailey, Daniel Boys, Cynthia Erivo, Frances Ruffelle, Jenna Russell and Emma Williams West End Recast Concert

Updated 4th March: TRACIE BENNETT, MICHAEL MATUS, KATIE ROWLEY JONES and GARETH SNOOK complete the all-star cast.

 West End Recast is a Concert starring Simon Bailey, Daniel Boys, Rebecca Brewer, Martin Callaghan, Cynthia Erivo, James Fox, Nick Holder, Leon Lopez, Laura Pitt-Pulford, Jon Robyns, Frances Ruffelle, Jenna Russell and Emma Williams performing their unique renditions of songs from shows including Wicked, Sweeney Todd, Rent, Dreamgirls, A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles and many, many more.

Adam Lenson (Ordinary Days, Little Fish & associate director on Merrily We Roll Along - West End) will be directing West End musical theatre stars will be performing songs from roles they have always wanted to sing but will NEVER be cast in.

West End Recast is at the Duke of York's Theatre on Sunday 16 March at 7:30 pm



Tickets for West End Recast

Amazing Line Up Announced for Next WestEndFest

The next WestEndFest concert is being held at the 2nd March at The Actors Church in Covent Garden.  Scott Garnham is compering the event and has decided on the theme:  ‘Songs you love (BUT SHOULDN’T!) where performers will attempt to sing their guilty pleasures.



The impressive West End performers who are hoping to take part (subject to commitments) include Rebecca Caine Les Miserables: Lauren Samuels - We Will Rock You, Water Babies. Zizi Strallen Rock of Ages, Merrily we Roll Along, Hairspray: Cassie Compton Wicked, Les Mis, American Psycho; Sabrina Aloueche Les Mis, We Will Rock You, Rent: Tori Allen Martin After The Turn, Rent, HAIR: Alice Fearn Les Miserables, Shrek, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Niall Sheehy Wicked, Les Miserables: Jamie Muscato  Rock of Ages, The Light Princess: Rob Houchen Les Miserables: Aaron Sidwell Loserville , Carnaby Street, Steven Beale (Eastenders): Scott Garnham Les Miserables, I Can’t Sing: Oliver Savile Les Miserables, Cats: James Gant  Les Miserables, Oliver, Evita: Stephen Webb Notre Damn de Paris, From Here To Eternity: David Ribi Hairspray, Dreamboats and Petticoats: Greg Oliver The Prodigals, Spring Awakening, After The Turn: Maria Coyne Rocky Horror, Spring Awakening, Joseph, Crazy for You: Thomas Sutcliffe The Mill on the Floss: Peter Polycarpou – Les Mis, Phantom, Sweeney Todd, Cats, Love Story, Chitty Kieran Brown Love Never Dies, Wicked, Pipe Dream, Tick Tick Boom, Phantom with more to be confirmed.

The charities that WestEndFest support and raise money for are The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and CRY UK (an organisation that helps raise awareness and helps to raise funds for cardiac arrest in the young).

There are homemade cupcakes being baked for the day, WestEndFest merchandise on sale, and an auction during interval which will be hosted by Scott Garnham and Dean McCullough. All funds go directly to the charities being supported.

Tickets for WestEndFest

Louise Dearman Songs in the Key of Streisand

West End leading lady Louise Dearman (Wicked, Evita) is collaborating with KiwiFruits Productions to star in a tribute concert Songs in the Key of Streisand dedicated to Barbra Streisand at the St James' Theatre in London on Sunday 9th March.

She will be joined by Annalene Beechey (Wicked, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), Rebecca Lock (Dear World, Mary Poppins) and Laura Pitt-Pulford (The Light Princess, Parade) performing classic Streisand songs and intimate stories spanning her career from her early days in Musical Theatre to her award winning Films (Funny Girl, Yentl, Hello Dolly) and countless albums.

Tickets for Songs in the Key of Streisand

Sheridan Smith playing Cilla Black in new ITV Drama

Updated 4th September: ITV have just  confirmed that the new Cilla drama will launch on Monday September 15th  at 9pm.

The mega-talented Sheridan Smith is to play the young Cilla Black in a new three part drama for ITV with filming starting in Liverpool next month.

Cilla tells the story of her rocky rise to fame, featuring the two men who came to love her and fought over her: future husband Bobby Willis and manager Brian Epstein who also managed The Beatles.

It was while Cilla worked in the famous Cavern Club as a cigarette girl that her friendship with John, Paul, George and Ringo shaped her career with family friend Ritchie Starkey (Ringo) introducing her to  Brian Epstein and producer George Martin who launched her career at the world famous Abbey Road Studios.

Sheridan told the Sunday Echo: I am thrilled to be playing Cilla, as she is a British icon. In the 60s, as a young girl from Liverpool, she had numerous number ones and sang with The Beatles, her life story is fascinating. I'm so excited and can't wait to start filming. I’m so thrilled to be back at ITV for such an exciting project and to hopefully show a younger audience what a star Cilla has always been and for the older generation they can re-live those swinging 60s. What an era! I can't wait to get up to Liverpool – my favourite city – and start filming. I'm really honoured and just hope I do her story justice.

The films have been written by Jeff Pope, produced by Kwadjo Dajan and  directed by Paul Whittington for ITV Studios.

Line Up Including David Thaxton & Graham Bickley Announced for Sondheim:Men Concert

Updated 4th March:The St James' Theatre is presenting Sondheim:Men as part of their cabaret nights in the Studio on Saturday 29th March

KiwiFruits Productions returns with Sondheim: Men, featuring a host of the West End's leading men celebrating the music of Broadway's legendary composer and lyricist.

The line up includes DAVID THAXTON (Olivier Award Win: Stephen Sondheim’s ‘PASSION’Les Miserables, Love Never Dies, Candide): GRAHAM BICKLEY (Olivier Award Nomination: ‘RAGTIME’ Sunset Boulevard, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables): GRAHAM MACDUFF (Spamalot, Chicago, West Side Story, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum): GARETH SNOOK (Phantom Of The Opera, My Fair Lady, Company, Merrily We Roll Along) and JORDAN LEE DAVIES (The Secret Garden, Bare: The Rock Opera, Into The Woods, BBC The Voice)

Sondheim: Men celebrates over five decades of  anthems from musicals including Sweeney Todd, Company, Assassins, Sunday in the Park with George, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and In To the Woods.  A live band will be led by pianist Terence Penk with performances  directed by Johnathan Peter.

Buy tickets at £25/£30 for Sondheim:Men

Jersey Boys New Cast Announced

As mentioned earlier this morning, John Lloyd Young, who originated the role of Frankie Valli on Broadway in 2006, will reprise his performance in the West End production when it moves to the Piccadilly Theatre from 15th March for a limited season until 27th April.

Also joining the new company at the Piccadilly will be Matt Nalton making his West End debut as Nick Massi with Edd Post and Jon Boydon continuing as Bob Gaudio and Tommy De Vito. Michael Watson or Sandy Moffat will play the role of Frankie Valli at certain performances. 

Other cast members include: Nicola Brazil, Sophie Carmen-Jones, Thomas Goodridge, Lucinda Gill, Matthew Hunt, Mark Isherwood, Charlotte Jeffery, Ben Jennings, Stuart King, Sandy Moffat, Sean Mulligan, Tom Senior, Emma Stephens, Matt Thorpe, Graham Vick, Ben Wheeler and Rob Wilshaw.

The Commitments & Once the Musical Performing at St Patrick's Day Celebrations this Sunday

The casts of The Commitments and Once the musical are performing at the Mayor of London's St Patrick's Day celebrations on Sunday 16th  March.  You can see them on the Main Stage: 13:30-13:50 - The Commitments and  15:00-15:20 - Once The Musical.

It is a free festival with the Parade starting at noon at Hyde Park Corner and going through Piccadilly, Haymarket, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. The Festival in Trafalgar Square is from midday to 6:00 pm

Riverdance International Irish Dancing will kick-off their 20th anniversary tour with a special performance on the main stage in Trafalgar Square, with The Commitments, Kila Irish folk group and a packed line up which includes live music, top comedy, film, dance and  Irish food.

The London Irish Comedy Festival Marquee will host some of Ireland’s established and emerging comedians including Aisling Bea, winner of The Gilded Balloon's So You Think You're Funny award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2012 and Jarlath Regan, one of the most prolific Irish stand-up comedians of the past 10 years.

The St Patrick's Day Film Festival will take place throughout the afternoon at The Prince Charles Cinema near Leicester Square and this year is the first St Patrick's Day Ballroom Dance to the sounds of live Irish bands in Westminster Cathedral Hall from 2:00pm – 6:00pm.

More information at www.london.gov.uk/st-patricks-day

Reason for Cancellation of Louise Dearman Solo Tour

Musical theatre performers including John Owen Jones, Gareth Gates and Louise Dearman are owed thousands of pounds for An Evening of Movies and Musicals which they performed at the Apollo Victoria Theatre last December.

Producer Matthew Hampson has yet to pay the performers for this concert. He was also due to  produce Louise Dearman’s first solo UK tour which was cancelled last month when her management withdrew because of the financial situation with the concert.

Hampson told the Stage that he had not yet been able to pay performers for the production in London because of financial difficulties. He said the show had been successful in the regions but that his “error was being naive with going into London too soon” saying "I didn’t anticipate how much money I would need to put into the show to make it successful and it was only over a period of time that that became apparent. It’s a show that has been really popular on a regional basis, so I went with my heart rather than with my head and I agreed to take it in [to London].My errors came from not being prepared for what was to come. The show lost a lot of money. It was not for any other reason than that. I have not been in this position before and I think the managers concerned know that."

He is speaking to the performers’ managers to rectify the issue with agreements being put in place to make the payments in stages.

Gypsy Starring Imelda Staunton, Kevin Whateley and Lara Pulver?

The long awaited Chichester Festival production of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton as Rose directed by Jonathan Kent will run for a limited season from early October.

According to today's Mail Kevin Whately is in final talks to play agent Herbie Sommers (played by Karl Malden in the film) who is pushed around by Rose. It would be a coup if Whateley signs as he hasn't appeared in theatre for some time concentrating on a television career (Morse, Lewis, Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Peak Practice), but before he became an actor he was a folk singer and still plays guitar at charity concerts.

Lara Pulver (Parade at Donmar, Spook and Sherlock) is also in discussion about playing Louise Hovick who is the famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee.

Peter Polycarpou and Sophie Thompson to star in Guys & Dolls at Chichester?

Peter Polycarpou is reprising the role of Vernon Hines which he played at Chichester in the Pajama Game until 2nd June when Gary Wilmot will take over.  The show running for a limited season at the Shaftesbury Theatre from 2nd May until 13th September.

According to today's Mail the reason for his departure after a month is because he is in negotiations to appear in Guys & Dolls which is one of the Chichester Festival productions this summer. The multi-talented and award winning Sophie Thompson (Company and Into the Woods at the Donmar)  is also believed to be in the frame, but again not yet confirmed. 

If this is true it's shaping up to be a very good production. More news on the show to follow.

Broadway's John Lloyd Young to play Frankie Valli in London's Jersey Boys

After playing Frankie Valli in The Jersey Boys  for over six years Ryan Molloy has announced he is leaving the show on March 9th when it moves out of the Prince Edward Theatre to make way for Miss Saigon.

When it reopens at the Piccadilly on 15th March the award winning John Lloyd Young, who created the role of singer Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys on Broadway, will take over the role for a limited period until 27th April.

This will certainly be a performance to catch as he is also playing Valli in Clint Eastwood’s film version which is due out later this year.

Full Cast Announced for The Pajama Game

As already announced,  Joanna Riding, Michael Xavier and Peter Polycarpou will be appearing in the Pajama Game at the Shaftesbury Theatre in May. Colin Stinton will reprise the role of Hasler which he played at Chichester and Gary Wilmot will take over the role of Vernon Hines from Peter Polycarpou on 2nd June. 

 

They will be joined by Alexis Owen Hobbs (Gladys), Claire Machin (Mabel), Siôn Lloyd (Max), Jennie Dale (Mae), Sharon Wattis (Poopsie), Keisha Amponsa Banson (Brenda), Lauren Varnham (Charlene), Jo Morris (Rita), Nolan Frederick (Charley), Richard Jones (Frank), Dan Burton (Earl) and James O’Connell (Joe).

The Pajama Game opens on 13th May (previews from 2nd May) and runs until 13th September 2014.

Alfie Boe, Armstrong & Miller, Julian Lloyd Webber and Jason Manford in Symfunny Concert for Parkinsons Disease

Symfunny stars Alfie Boe, comedy duo Armstrong & Miller, cellist Julian Lloyd Webber and comedian Jason Manford with a full symphony orchestra and choral ensemble at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 4th June at 7:30pm.

It offers an evening of music and comedy in the magnificent surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall and is the brainchild of music producer, composer and conductor James Morgan, who was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's at the age of 42 and uses his musical connections to highlight the impact of Parkinson's and show it is possible to continue to work and live life to the full after diagnosis. Find out more about Parkinsons Org UK

Tickets for Symfunny 

Rachel Tucker, Sally Ann Triplett and Jimmy Nail to star in new Sting Musical The Last Ship

The Last Ship is a new musical with music and lyrics by 16 time Grammy winner Sting, and book by Tony winner John Logan and Puliter Prize-winner Brian Yorkey.

Directed by Tony winner Joe Mantello, choreography by Olivier Award winner and Tony nominee Steven Hoggett, set and costume design by Tony nominee David Zinn; lighting design by Tony winner Christopher Akerlind and sound design by Tony winner Brian Ronan it will begin previews on Broadway at the Neil Simon on September 30th prior to opening night on October 26th.

This will be  following a pre-Broadway try out from June 10th to July 13th  in Chicago at Bank of America Theatre. .

This is Sting's musical theatre debut on Broadway with principal roles being played by our very own Rachel Tucker and Sally Ann Triplett with Jimmy Nail, Michael Esper, Aaron Lazar, Collin Kelly-Sordelet and Fred Applegate. Ensemble casting still to be announced.

The Last Ship is inspired by Sting's childhood set in the English seafaring town of Wallsend in a local community where life has always revolved around the local shipyard with men constructing vessels with tremendous pride.

Gideon Fletcher dreams of a different future and leaves to travel the world leaving his life  behind. When he returns home 14 years later the shipyard's future is in danger and his childhood sweetheart is set to marry someone else. As the men of Wallsend take their future into their own hands Gideon realizes that he left behind more than he could have ever imagined.

You can hear Sting and his band in Concert performing a sampler of songs from The Last Ship here.

Full Cast for tour of Marc Bolan 20th Century Boy Musical

Updated 20th February: The new tour of the Marc Bolan Musical 20th Century Boy kicks off this spring starting at Inverness on 18th April and currently ending at Plymouth on 12th July.

Warren Sollars (From Here To Eternity, Mamma Mia) is playing Marc Bolan, Luke Bailey (Casualty, Waterloo Road) is Rolan Bolan and Sue Jenkins (Coronation Street, Brookside) is playing his mother Phyllis.

They will be joined by Jade Albertson, Matthew Ashcroft, Lakesha Cammock, Andy Coxon, Llandyl Gove, Nathan Graham, Donna Hines, Christopher Hunt, Peter Manchester, Chris Milford, Katia Sartini, Steve Simmonds, Lucy Sinclair and Naomi Slights.

Cool Rider back for one week in West End with Ashleigh Gray & Aaron Sidwell

Following the one-night-only concert of Cool Rider earlier this year at the Lyric Theatre, the cult musical sequel will return to the West End for one week only at the Duchess Theatre from Tuesday 15th to Saturday 19th April  (press night Wednesday 16th April) 

Ashleigh Gray and Aaron Sidwell will once again sing the roles of Stephanie and Michael, immortalised in the film by Michelle Pfeiffer and Maxwell Caulfield. Further casting to be announced.

Tickets for Cool Rider

Maria Friedman, Jenna Russell, Graham Bickley and Clive Rowe in Cole Porter Anything Goes Concerts

Maria Friedman, Jenna Russell, Graham Bickley and Clive Rowe are performing at the Cadogan Hall between 20th August-23rd August in Anything Goes which is a 50th Anniversary Celebration of the music of Cole Porter.

Featuring the best from classic shows including  Anything Goes, Kiss Me Kate and High Society they will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Richard Balcombe.

Book tickets for Anything Goes

From Here to Eternity Cast Album confirmed by Sir Tim Rice

Sir Tim Rice has officially confirmed that the cast of his current West End musical From Here to Eternity  will be recording the score of the new show before it leaves the Shaftesbury on 29th March.

The cast includes Robert Lonsdale as bugle playing Private Robert E Lee Prewitt and Darius Campbell as Warden. With  Siubhan Harrison/Lorene:Robert Lonsdale/ Prewitt, Ryan Sampson/Maggio and Rebecca Thornhill as Karen.

He said on Twitter: "Intend to record FH2E cast album before Shaftesbury exit. Thanks to many for ever-increasing kind words and encouragement. Fight the Fight".

American Psycho to Transfer into West End

In an interview Duncan Sheik has confirmed a West End transfer of his new musical screen-to-stage adaptation of American Psycho which recently starred ex Dr Who Matt Smith at the Almeida Theatre.

He said: I've just been in London working for two months on American Pyscho .. you know, the British audience really know what they are talking about. It looks like we're doing a West End transfer in the Fall - and, if that goes well, we'll bring it to America.

Samantha Barks, Lea Salonga, Simon Bowman, Sierra Boggess and John Owen Jones Love on 42nd Street Album

West End and Broadway stars Samantha Barks, Lea Salonga, Sierra Boggess, Simon Bowman, John Owen Jones, Katy Treharne and  Kasia Howley (Your Voice Competition Winner) have recorded new songs on an album Love on 42nd Street written by composers Daniel and Laura Curtis.

It will be released on 17th March in aid of BBC Children In Need with profits going directly to the charity. It is a follow up to the successful single Why Am I Falling by Ramin Karimloo.

Daniel and Laura are currently writing a musical biopic based on the life of the late Richard Burton.

You can order a copy of Love on 42nd Street Here

Open Auditions for Peter Pan Movie starring Hugh Jackman

Producers of the new Peter Pan film starring Hugh Jackman as Bluebeard are to hold an open casting call for the lead role later this month. The film is due for release in July 2015

Boys of all ethnicities aged 11 to 13 are invited to audition for the part of Peter Pan at London's Wembley Arena on 23rd February at 10:00 am. Auditionees must be no taller than 5ft 4in (165cm) an accompanied by a parent or guardian. The queue will be open from 09:00 and no one will be allowed to join after 11:00.

Warner Bros have said there would be no facilities for overnight queuing and camping at Wembley Arena is strictly prohibited.

A dedicated website has been set up for the casting with full details.

Liza, Liza, Liza new play with music by Richard Harris

Liza, Liza, Liza is a new play with music by Richard Harris  (Outside Edge, The Business of Murder) who worked with Liza Minnelli in 1991 when she was in the film adaption of his award winning play Stepping Out.

In his new play directed by Phil Willmott he peels back the veneer on one of Hollywood's most compelling living icons.

The professional and private lives of Liza Minnelli have experienced dizzying highs and crashing lows all ruthlessly captured and sold by the world's media. This new production sees three actors take on the role of Liza Minnelli at specific moments in her life.

 It is currently scheduled to play at the Theatre Royal Windsor from 18-22 March and the Yvonne Arnaud at Guildford from 25-29 March.

New Elaine Paige Show on Sky Arts

It has just been announced that Elaine Paige will host a new six-part series of one hour shows on Sky Arts beginning on Wednesday 14th May at 8:00 pm

The first episode features Julian Ovenden performing a special version of "Something's Coming" from West Side Story, Olivier Award winner Leigh Zimmerman singing"Adelaide's Lament" from Guys and Dolls and award winning choreographer Dame Gillian Lynne talking to Elaine about her work on Cats.

The Elaine Paige Show will provide a glimpse into the world of musical theatre with songs, performances and interviews, as Elaine is joined by a variety of guests from stage and screen.

Elaine Paige is celebrating celebrate 50 years on stage with her new Elaine Paige Page by Paige tour which starts in October.  She has starred in more smash hit West End & Broadway musicals than anyone else of her generation – Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Billy, Evita, Cats, Chess, Anything Goes, Piaf, Sunset Boulevard, The King & I, Sweeney Todd, The Drowsy Chaperone and Follies. She was awarded an OBE for services to Musical Theatre in 1995.

In each episode Elaine will be joined by stars from both the West End and Broadway who will perform in front of a studio audience. Guests include Scarlett Strallen, Christine Andreas, Michael Feinstein, John Owen Jones, Hannah Waddingham, Clive Rowe and Leigh Zimmerman. She will also be doing in depth interviews with Herbert Kretzmer and Trevor Nunn.

The Elaine Paige Show will open and close with a bespoke performance by Elaine who said: I’m delighted to be working with Sky Arts and Fresh One in this, my 50th year on stage, to bring my passion for musical theatre to television. I look forward to welcoming some of my friends and colleagues to the show and singing not only some new songs, but some of my all-time classics.

Liza Minnelli in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall

Liza Minnelli is performing her brand new concert Simply Liza for one night only at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 2nd July. This is her only UK appearance scheduled for 2014.

Liza Minnelli is now in her sixth decade of performing and is the winner of four Tony Awards, an Oscar, a Grammy, two Golden Globe Awards, an Emmy and a BAFTA.

Tickets for Simply Liza  Prices £47.50 - £100. A limited number of Box Seats £125

Tim Rice A Life In Song to be shown again at Christmas

Updated 19th December. This concert  will be shown again on BBC2 on Christmas Day at 21:00

Updated 13th June: Rufus Wainwright will now perform Don't Cry for Me Argentina. Made in Dagenham's Gemma Arterton is the latest name to join stars honouring Sir Tim Rice which now  includes Tim Minchin, Tom Chaplin, Rob Brydon, Roger Daltrey, Alexander Armstrong, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Cynthia Erivo, Seth Lakeman, Julian Ovenden, Rick Wakeman and Frances Ruffelle.
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Updated 24th May: Sir Tim Rice is to celebrate nearly 50 years as a lyricist with a A Life in Song on 8th July at the Royal Festival Hall.The concert will be filmed for broadcast later in the year.

He will be in conversation with host Michael Grade with music being performed from some of his biggest successes including Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita and The Lion King with music provided by the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Mike Dixon.

Tim Minchin was announced today as one of the special guests who will be performing at this tribute to Sir Tim Rice. As well as writing the award wining musical Matilda, he  toured with the first ever arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar playing Judas Iscariot. Also guesting will be musical theatre and Downton Abbey star Julian Ovenden,  comedian, presenter and actor Rob Brydon and Tom Chaplin from the rock band Keane.

Sir Tim, who turns 70 this year recently had  a new musical From Here To Eternity running at the Shaftesbury Theatre.  He has collaborated with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John on The Lion King and Aida as well as working with Abba stars Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus on Chess. He has won three Academy Awards for film scores from Evita, Aladdin and The Lion King.

Tickets for A Life in Song

Alex Jennings is the new Willy Wonka

Alex Jennings is to take over from Douglas Hodge as Willy Wonka when he leaves Charlie & The Chocolate Factory on 17th May.

Jennings film roles include Prince Charles in The Queen (2006), War Requiem, the RSC's film version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Lord Mark in the Oscar-nominated movie The Wings of the Dove, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Four Feathers.

Theatre credits include a number of plays at the National including Leontes in The Winter's Tale, the title role in Albert Speer and in 2007 Gary in Present Laughter. His Royal Shakespeare Company roles include the title role in Peer Gynt (for which he won an Olivier Award 1995-06 for Best Actor), the title role in Richard II (opposite Anton Lesser as Henry Bolingbroke), Theseus/Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream (UK, American tour and Broadway), Angelo in Measure for Measure, and the title role in Hamlet. In 2002 he appeared in the Cameron Mackintosh/Trevor Nunn revival of My Fair Lady at Drury Lane and won an Olivier Award as Best Actor in a Musical.

Cast for Tour of Betty Blue Eyes

The tour of Betty Blue Eyes opens at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester in March and is currently touring until August.

The first bit of casting  has just been announced with Haydn Oakley and Amy Booth-Steel playing the lead roles of Gilbert Chilvers and his wife Joyce (played by Reece Shearsmith and Sarah Lancashire in the West End).

They will be joined by Sally Mates/Mother Dear: Laura Baldwin/Veronica/Ensemble: Adam C Booth/Mr Lockwood / Mr Barraclough / Ensemble: Ricky Butt/Mrs Allardyce / Mrs Tilbrook / Ensemble: Rebecca Louis/Mrs Metcalf / Ensemble / Assistant Choreographer: Kate Robson-Stuart/Mrs Lester / Princess Elizabeth / Ensemble and Violin: Oliver Izod/BBC Announcer / Mr Nuttall / Ensemble and Accordion / Violin: Joe Maxwell/Mr Metcalf / Prince Phillip / Mr Cunliffe / Ensemble: Jenni Bowden/Mrs Turnbull / Mrs Cunliffe / Ensemble and Clarinet / Saxophone: Lauren Logan/Kit / Betty Puppeteer / Ensemble: Matt Harrop/Mr Allardyce / Ensemble and Kit Benjamin/Dr Swaby / Ensemble and Violin.

The Pajama Game Latest Image

New ad for The Pajama Game which opens at the Shaftesbury in May featuring Michael Xavier and Joanna Riding.

Tour of Don Black Songbook From Hackney to Hollywood

The tour of From Hackney to Hollywood is a celebration of the Don Black songbook and his  journey from Hackney to Hollywood marking his 50th anniversary in the business.

With special guest artists Martine McCutcheon , Gary Wilmot and  Ricardo Afonso the show is directed by Maria Friedman (who will also perform) and conducted by Mike Dixon.

Black is one of Britain's most successful and versatile lyricists with a catalogue of songs including a number of James Bond themes:  'Born Free' and  'Diamonds Are Forever' and musicals like 'Sunset Boulevard', 'Billy' and 'Aspects of Love' and Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical Stephen Ward.
His worldwide success has taken him from his roots in Hackney all the way to Hollywood.

The tour starts on 25th March at Wycombe Swan and runs until 8th April ending at Manchester Opera House.  Other venues include the Forum at Malvern, St David's Hall Cardiff, Bournemouth Pavilion, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Leeds Town Hall and  Liverpool Philharmonic.

You can get a full list of dates and book tickets for the Don Black Songbook from Hackney to Hollywood here.