Rosemary Ashe in Gypsy at Landor cancelled

The Landor Theatre in Clapham was due to stage the Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents' classic 1959 musical Gypsy with Rosemary Ashe playing Mama Rose, which was the role originally played by Ethel Merman on Broadway and has since starred, Angela Lansbury, Patri Lupone, Bette Midler and Bernadette Peters

It was due to run at the Landor from 2nd-27th August 2011 but has now been cancelled due to “contractual issues” with the licensor.

A statement from the producers said:   “We at Theatrica are most embarrassed by the closure of the Gyspy production, and offer our sincere apologies to the creative team, to the Landor Theatre ...and above all, to the many people who have sent messages of goodwill or booked tickets (naturally, bookings will be refunded as quickly as possible)."

Gypsy's demise  follows cancellations of productions of Moby Dick and  Little Shop of Horrors in May which fell apart due to a funding shortfall and problems with rights holders.

A press release from the Landor said: “The Landor is most disappointed to lose the planned show, especially at such short notice. We are considering options to fill the gap in our schedule, and look forward to shortly giving notice of a new production.”

Hopefully in  July the theatre will revive Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel followed by the Broadway musical Ragtime in September.