Sheridan Smith in New BBC Drama The 7.39

Sheridan Smith appears with fellow BAFTA award winner Olivia Colman, David Morrissey and Sean Maguire in The 7.39 two-part drama  on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th January at 9:00 pm on BBC1.

Written by David Nicholls (One Day, Starter For Ten) it is about 45 year old Carl Matthews (Morrissey) and his battle to board the 7:39 train from Waterloo where he encounters the same miserable crowd of commuters every morning.

Happily married to his college best friend Maggie (Colman) and with two sulky teenagers his life has become very predictable until he meets fellow passenger Sally Thom (Smith) after they battle over a seat. She has recently moved out of London to manage a health club and is unsure of her plans to marry personal trainer Ryan (Maguire) and feels unsettled in a her new suburban life.

The pair begin talking and suddenly their monotonous commute becomes a lot more interesting...

Michael Grade's Stars of Musical Theatre with Michael Ball, Elaine Paige, Dominic West, Imelda Staunton, Joel Grey, Chita Rivera, Hal Prince and Trevor Nunn

Michael Grade has been hooked on musicals since he was a small boy and his family have represented some of the world's greatest musical performers. But one question has always fascinated him - is it the musical which creates the star or the star who makes the musical?

Michael Grade's Stars of Musical Theatre is being broadcast on BBC 4 on Thursday 2nd January at 21:35. Or it is being repeated on BBC 4 on Friday 3rd January at 01:45 and Tuesday 7th January at 01:40.

 To try and find the answer he interviews stars and directors on both sides of the Atlantic including Michael Ball, Elaine Paige, Dominic West, Imelda Staunton, Joel Grey, Chita Rivera, Hal Prince and Trevor Nunn.

He looks at musical performances from the 1940s onwards in shows including Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Evita and Les Miserables as he tries to define what it is that makes the great musical stars great.

Sheridan Smith & David Walliams in My Fair Lady?

According to today's Mirror David Walliams and Sheridan Smith are to appear on stage again, but this time in My Fair Lady.

Walliams developed the idea with Michael Grandage who directed them as Bottom and Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream earlier this year.

Sheridan will play Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle to Walliams’ Professor Henry Higgins in the West End production.

Seems like a great idea but with their packed schedules might not be for some time soon. Will keep you posted if I hear any more and it comes to anything ....

Sally Ann Triplett starring in My Judy Garland Life

West End star Sally Ann Triplett is playing the title role in My Judy Garland Life which is a new play by Amanda Whittington adapted from the autobiographical memoir by Susie Boyt. It will run at the Nottingham Playhouse from Friday 31st January - Saturday 15th February.

It tells the story of a fan growing up under the spell of Judy Garland featuring her best-loved songs alongside key moments in Susie and Judy’s lives. Susie grows up dreaming of all things Judy. The troubled star becomes someone she can confide in, care for and be consoled by. Judy’s heart-stopping blend of joy and anguish helps Susie with her own troubles and will ultimately bring her through the darkest days of her life.

The cast includes Judy Garland/Sally Ann Triplett: Susie Boyt/Faye Elvin: Mr S (Piano)/Stefan Bednarczyk : Mr L (Double Bass)/William Oxborrow and Mr T (Drums)/Delroy Brown.

The show will be Directed by Kath Rogers with Designer Tom Rogers, Musical Director Stefan Bednarczyk , Lighting Designer Mike Gunning, Sound Designer Drew Baumohl and
Choreographer Adele Parry.

Buy tickets for My Judy Garland Life 

Children's Auditions for Billy Elliot The Musical

Next month auditions for the children in Billy Elliot the Musical are taking place to join the cast  at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London.

They will be held on 11th January in Leeds, 1st February in Newcastle, 15th March in London, 26th April in Bristol and 17th May in Manchester.

Boys should be a maximum of 5 feet with no broken voices. Tap and ballet experience is useful but not essential. Girls will only be seen in Newcastle as they must be from the North East and should be a maximum of 4 feet 8 inches and have some ballet experience.

For further information email Children’s Casting Director Jessica Ronane at billy@jessicaronane.com stating your city and date of choice in the subject box.

Please bring all dance shoes and trainers andcome ready to dance first maybe sing afterwards. 
Wear comfortable clothes: no lycra, leotards or jazz pants.  .

For further information visit http://billyelliotthemusical.com/auditions

Hugh Jackman pulls out of Houdini Musical

Film and musical theatre star Hugh Jackman has been attached to the new musical Houdini for over five years but has now announced that he has withdrawn from the production due to its scheduling demands.

In a statement to Variety he siad "I have greatly enjoyed the collaborative process on Houdini. Ultimately, though, I wasn't able to commit to the time this role will require. I have tremendous respect and admiration for the creative team and I wish everyone the best. I know they're well on their way to making something extraordinary."

The show's producer Scott Sanders said "Hugh has been terrific to have on this part of our journey. We will continue to move forward with our remarkable creative team as they craft this ambitious new musical."

Dolly Parton to Play Glastonbury in June

Updated 27th February:  Dolly Parton now confirmed for Glastonbury

Country music icon Dolly Parton is bringing her  Blue Smoke World Tour to the UK next June and July next year and is reportedly set to play at the Glastonbury Festival. 

According to the Sun newspaper she has been secretly booked to fill the Glastonbury Legends slot on the Sunday on the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm in Somerset in at the Festival which takes place between 25th-29th June this year.

She will be literally jetting in from London after performing at the O2 arena on the Saturday evening and conveniently has a "day off" on the Sunday, according to her schedule.

Ryan Molloy Live at the London Hippodrome

Ryan Molloy is currently playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre in London's West End.

You can see him on Saturday 18th January at 8:00 pm Live at the London Hippodrome for an intimate exploration of his musical life to date.  He will deliver his inimitable take on a collection of songs that have shaped his 25 years in the music business as a successful singer and songwriter.

Tickets for Ryan Molloy Live at the London Hippodrome

Simon Green, Lisa Stokke and Gareth Snook in Kander & Ebb's The World Goes Round at Union Theatre

The World Goes Round with songs of Kander and Ebb is being performed at the Union Theatre in Southwark from Wednesday 15th January – Saturday 8th February 2014.

It is being produced by Sasha Regan and will be Directed and Designed by Kirk Jameson: Choreographed by Sam Spencer-Lane: Musical Supervision by Richard Bates and  Musical Direction by Michael Riley

 Kirk Jameson’s new production of  The World Goes ‘Round is playing for a strictly limited season and features the works of Kander and Ebb with  music from their most celebrated works in a career spanning more than thirty years including “Cabaret“, “Chicago” and “Kiss of the Spiderwoman”.

The cast includes Lisa Stokke (Mamma Mia, Guys and Dolls, Chess,The Baker’s Wife and  Assassins:  Simon Green (Titanic, The Phantom of the Opera, Sondheim at 80,Sunday in the Park with George, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Passion, Follies, The Boyfriend,The Wizard of Oz  and Showboat: Gareth Snook (Phantom of the Opera, Assassins, Company, Aspects of Love,My Fair Lady, Sunset Boulevard, The Rink and the 10th Anniversary Concert of Les Miserables: Emma Francis (My Fair Lady, The Cherry Orchard , SweeneyTodd, Fame, Anything Goes, Chicago  and Grease: Susan Fay (Me and My Girl, Buddy, Les Miserables, Martin Guerre, Saturday Night Fever, Spend Spend Spend and My Fair Lady, Billy Elliott and Oliver!

They will be joined by Elliot Berry, Gabrielle Allen, Genevieve Leeney, Charlotte Oakley and Shahail Woodcock

Tickets for The World Goes Round

Michael Ball in Christmas Catchphrase

Michael Ball is one of the contestants on Christmas Catchphrase, Sunday 29th December on ITV from 7:00pm to 8:00pm when Stephen Mulhern hosts a special festive edition of the game show.

He is joined by Carol Vorderman and Michelle Collins who will compete to identify well-known phrases in order to win thousands of pounds for their chosen charities. 

Michael confessed that he didn't want to ‘appear thick’ and  downloaded the game show’s app in preparation for his appearance

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

On BBC Radio 3 at 2:00 pm today Katie Derham presents The Singing Will Never Be Done  which is a show featuring the hit songs of Stephen Sondheim.

Performers include Kim Criswell, Michael Xavier, Turlough Convery and Maria Friedman with the BBC Singers accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by the orchestra's American Principal Conductor Keith Lockhart.

Sheridan Smith Starring in Flack New C4 Sitcom

Channel 4 has just announced  Flack which is a new comedy pilot to be broadcast next year.

It stars Sheridan Smith  and  is about a modern woman (Cleo Martin) who is trying to keep her life on track whilst dealing with the funny and often messed up lives of her PR clients. It deals with the world of work and maintaining a relationship with Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, the blogosphere and the tabloid press meaning the next celebrity scandal is never far away and someone has to be there to pick up the pieces

The comedy from Hat Trick Productions is filming now. It has been written by Oliver Lansley, who has previously written on shows including FM and Whites. He was widely praised for his portrayal of Kenny Everett in BBC Four's biopic The Best Possible Taste.

Michael Xavier, Hannah Waddingham, Joanna Riding, Julie Atherton You'll Never Walk Alone Charity Gala

Updated 4th February:
Award-winning TV personality, fashion guru and author Gok Wan will host the special one-night-only concert You’ll Never Walk Alone at the Queen’s Theatre on Sunday 2nd  March 2014 at 7.30pm in aid of the Philippines Typhoon Appeal.  Tickets are now on sale from £32.50, with all proceeds going directly to the Disasters Emergency Committee.

I
It is being produced by Paul Spicer and Matt Firth for Stage Acts Productions with the support of Delfont Mackintosh Theatres and brings together 14 of the UK’s leading aid charities to raise money in order to quickly reach those in need. The money raised will contribute to the ongoing need for emergency shelter, clean water and food as well as helping survivors rebuild their lives.

Casting so far includes: Julie Atherton (Avenue Q, The Last 5 Years), two time Olivier Award winner Joanna Riding (Stephen Ward, The Pyjama Game), three time Olivier Award nominee Hannah Waddingham (Kiss me Kate, Spamalot), Filipino born  Joseph Apostol, soon to play John in Cameron Mackintosh's revival of Miss Saigon, Hugh Maynard (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King), Olivier Award nominee Michael Xavier (The Sound of Music, The Pyjama Game) and Filipino born classical pianist Emmanuel Vass.

Updated 22nd January:

More names have just been added including  Danielle Hope (Over The Rainbow), Pasha and Katya (Strictly Come Dancing), Cynthia Erivo (The Colour Purple, I Can't Sing!) Cassidy Janson (Lend Me a Tenor, Candide) and Francine Lewis (ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent). Avenue Q original London cast members Jon Robyns (Les, Miserables, Spamalot), Simon Lipkin (Rock of Ages, I Can't Sing!), Julie Atherton (The Last Five Years, Sister Act) and Giles Terera (The Book of Mormon) will also be sharing the stage with the likes of Princeton and Kate Monster for a special reunion performance.
 

Tickets for You'll Never Walk Alone

Sir Tim Rice, Michael Ball, Frances Ruffelle and Mark Shenton on Music Matters tomorrow

Tomorrow on BBC Radio 3 at 12:15pm there is a special edition of Music Matters classical music magazine covering musical theatre where Tom Service looks at how it has evolved and in the age of jukebox musicals asks are we supporting the next generation of 'musical makers'? (composers, lyricists and book-writers).

People he will be talking to include Sir Tim Rice : Stuart Brayson composer of From Here To Eternity:  Michael Ball :  Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory) and Gwyneth Herbert composer and lyricist for the new musical The A-Z of Mrs P which opens at Southwark Playhouse next February and is the story of the woman who invented the A-Z,  plus cast members Frances Ruffelle and Isy Suttie.

To discuss the issues facing today's musical theatre scene Tom is joined in the studio by the theatre critic Mark Shenton, musical director Gareth Valentine and Andy Barnes, Executive Producer of Perfect Pitch Musicals.

Cast Announced for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

A new musical stage production of movie Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is heading for the West End next year opening at the Savoy Theatre on March 10th after a short tour to Manchester Opera House from February 12th and Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre from February 26th.

The production will be directed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots: currently Broadway’s biggest award winning hit, Legally Blonde) and stars Robert Lindsay with actor and comedian Rufus Hound, Katherine Kingsley, Samantha Bond and John Marquez.

The cast is completed by Lizzy Connolly, Gavin Alex, Darren Bennett, Niamh Bracken, Lisa Bridge, Darren Carnall, Andy Conaghan, Lizzy Connolly, Phoebe Coupe, Claire Doyle, Alice Fearn, Selina Hamilton, Ian Knauer, Lisa Mathieson, Zak Nemorin, Genevieve Nicole, Javier Santos, Todd Talbot, Dominic Tribuzio, Jon Tsouras and Zara Warren.

Louise Dearman Heading Up Backslap Events

West End star Louise Dearman is certainly going to have a busy 2014.  Since she finished playing Elphaba in Wicked! a couple of months ago she has released an excellent  new album, is doing a series of concerts as well as embarking on her own It's Time Tour, is starring in the new Water Babies Musical at the Leiceser Curve, is publishing a book The Secrets of Stage Success with Mark Evans (who is currently starring on the US tour of The Book of Mormon).

And if that's not enough, she has just announced that in the New Year she is launching an events company called Backslap which will initially offer four productions that can be performed at events including private parties, awards ceremonies and corporate events.  She will run the company with her partner Andrew Eastel who is a producer/directror and choreo­grapher Ian Stroughair.The four shows being created are a burlesque show (Legs), a 1940s-themed production (Bombshells and Brylcream), an urban dance show (Swagger) and a theatre show (Curtain Call).

She said: “Backslap will be my thing to have control over and it will continue underneath what I am passionate about – which is performing myself.  While entertainment of this nature is not a new concept she wants to raise the bar  with Backslap.Although there are some great acts and entertainment providers already out there, unfortunately we’ve probably seen or heard of more bad than good. What we’ll be providing are ‘off-the-shelf’ shows that have each been constructed from scratch by the best creative people in the business and will only ever be performed by trained, professional singers and dancers, the best you’ll find in the UK".
 
She also revealed that the company would eventually produce its own “one-off events on a grand scale set in “a unique location with an original theme and brimming with well-known faces and voices”.

Downton Abbey and James Bond's Samantha Bond Joins Cast of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

The fabulous Samantha Bond (Lady Rosamund in Downton Abbey and Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond Films) is to appear in the  musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels directed by the inimitable Jerry Mitchell at the Savoy Theatre.  This is her first West End musical co-starring alongside Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound, Katherine Kingsley and John Marquez.

She is playing Muriel who is a wealthy American divorcee living on the French Riviera who comes into contact with the team of con artists. It also means that she will be working just down the road fro her husband Alexander Hanson who is playing Stephen Ward in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical of the same name.

Aside from playing Lady Rosamund on Downton Abbey, and starring as Miss Moneypenny in a number of  James Bond films. She has also appeared on television in Outnumbered, Midsomer Murders, The Queen, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Distant Shores, Hotel Babylon, Fanny Hill, Donovan, Brand Spanking New Show, The Bill and Mansfield Park. Her stage credits include Amy's View on Broadway and Arcadia, An Ideal Husband and What the Butler Saw in the West End.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels starts previews at the Savoy on 10th March 2014, opens on 3rd April and is booking until 29th November 201 prior to a pre-West End run in Manchester and Aylesbury.

Lenny Henry in Rudy's Rare Records at Hackney Empire

Lenny Henry is starring in a three week run of Rudy's Rare Records: Last Record Shop Standing at the Hackney Empire in September 2014 prior to embarking on a UK tour.

Award winning writer Danny Robins has written four series of the Radio 4 sitcom Rudy's Rare Records with Lenny Henry. Rudy's Rare Records is a small run down old reggae record shop in Birmingham,  stacked high with piles of vinyl and the slogan is "if we don't have it - them don't mek it".

It's owned by the charismatic but cantankerous Rudy Sharpe who is reluctantly helped out by his long-suffering son Adam (Lenny Henry). When the threat of development looms they must put their differences aside  to try and keep the music alive. Featuring a live band onstage playing reggae, ska, funk and hip hop classics, Rudy's Rare Records is about how desperate times draw families together, even when you can't stand the sight of each other.

Ray Quinn, Gareth Gates and Bonnie Langford Dancing on Ice

The line up of contestants for the final series 9 of Dancing On Ice have been revealed. The first show will be screened on ITV starting on Sunday 5th January at 6.15pm featuring past winners and favourites with West End stars strongly represented by Bonnie Langford, Hayley Tammadon, Gareth Gates, Ray Quinn, Todd Carty and Sam Attwater.

Those taking part in Dancing On Ice 2014 are:

    Bonnie Langford (came third in series 1)
    Suzanne Shaw (winner of series 3)
    Zaraah Abrahams (came third in series 3)
    Hayley Tamaddon (winner of series 5)
    Jorgie Porter (came second in series 7)
    Beth Tweddle (winner of series 8)
    David Seaman (came fourth in series 1)
    Kyran Bracken (winner in series 2)
    Gareth Gates (came fourth in series 3)
    Ray Quinn (winner of series 4)
    Todd Carty (came ninth in series 4)
    Gary Lucy (came second in series 5)
    Sam Attwater (winner in series 6)
    Joe Pasquale (came sixth in series 8)

Godspell in Concert at Lyric Theatre

The Broadway Revival of the musical Godspell will be performed in concert at The Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue on Monday 19th May 2014 in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, who grant magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions.

The show was last seen in the West End in 1972, has recently enjoyed a successful run on Broadway and is currently touring the US.

By permission from Stephen Schwartz, composer of ‘Wicked’ and ‘Pippin’, Russell Scott Entertainment Limited, in association with In-House Casting, will be producing a concert charity performance featuring a West End cast plus special guests, a hand-picked band and a 32-strong choir led by members of Maida Vale Singers and American Musical Theatre Academy.  The concert will be directed by Kenneth Avery Clark.

The cast will be announced early next year.

Book tickets for Godspell in Concert.

Bette Midler to play Mae West in new biopic

Bette Midler is to play Mae West in a new biopic directed by William Friedkin (The Exorcist) from a script by Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots, Torch Song Trilogy, La Cage aux Folles, Hairspray and Newsies.). Friedkin, Fierstein and Jerry Weintraub (Behind the Candelabra) are executive producers for the project.

Mae West will be based on her autobiography Goodness Had Nothing To Do With It which follows her rise to fame after writing and starring in her controversial Broadway show SEX. West was sentenced to 10 days in prison for "corrupting the morals of youth" and went on to write Diamond Lil which was her break into Hollywood in the 1920's.

Seems like some inspired casting to me!

John Barr Self Portrait Cabaret

West End musical theatre star John Barr is performing his Self Portrait Cabaret at the St James' Studio Theatre on Saturday 1st March 2014 at 8:00 pm

Featuring the Music and Lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, John Kander & Fred Ebb, Anthony Newley & Leslie Bricusse, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George Michael & Ed Kleban.

Book tickets for John Barr 

1 March 2014

Killian Donnelly, Shane Filan and the Commitments in Tribute to Roddy Doyle

This week's Friday Night is Music Night celebrates the work of Roddy Doyle with music from The Commitments, Irish folk and film and classical music.  Tom Ward, Ronan Raftery and Gavin Drea from the Radio 4 plays will recreate scenes from The Commitments.

Among those taking part are  Shane Filan from Westlife,  Meav (formerly of the multi million selling Celtic Woman),  Killian Donnelly lead singer of the West End production of The Commitments the up and coming rock band The Riptide Movement (who played The Commitments band in the new Radio 4 adaptation) and presenter Dervla Kirwan. They will be accompanied by the 60 piece BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Richard Balcombe

The concert will be aired on BBC Radio 2 on Friday 13th December at 8:00pm. Roddy Doyle be guest of honour talking about his life and work during the interval.

Ryan Molloy & Stefan Booth join Jessie Wallace & Gary Kemp in Lionel Bart’s Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be

Updated 24th February: Jersey Boys Frankie Valli  Ryan Molloy and Stefan Booth join cast

Jessie Wallace (Kat in EastEnders) and Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet: The Krays) are to star in a revival of Lionel Bart’s Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be directed by Terry Johnson.

The full cast is now : Mark Arden as Fred, Ryan Molloy as Horace, Stefan Booth as Tosher, Christopher Ryan as Red Hot, Vivian Carter as Myrtle, Stevie Hutchinson as Ted/PC 2, John Olohan as Paddy, Gary Watson as Norman/PC 1, Joanna Woodward as Margaret. They join the previously announced Jessie Wallace (EastEnders) as Lil, Gary Kemp (The Krays/ The Bodyguard/Spandau Ballet) as PC Collins, Sarah Middleton as Rosie, Ruth Alfie Adams as Brenda, Will Barton as Percy and Suzie Chard as Betty.

The play was premiered by Joan Littlewood at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in 1959 and will return there next May and June on the  centenary of the director’s birth. It will follow Littlewood’s Oh What a Lovely War which will star Caroline Quentin, also be directed by Terry Johnson and run at the venue from February.

Littlewood’s version of Bart’s play won an Evening Standard award for best musical in 1960 when it played at the Garrick Theatre where it  ran for 886 performances featuring Maurice Kaufmann, Wallas Eaton, Miriam Karlin, Barbara Windsor, Toni Palmer and Bryan Pringle.

It is about gangster Fred Cochran who has been down on his luck and is trying to make a comeback. Meanwhile his loyal girlfriend Lil’ longs for the day they can get married and give up crime. After a horrible fight occurs in Fred’s gambling den, Lil’ and Fred finally decide the time is right to marry and live a straight life.

Book tickets for Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be which will run at Theatre Royal Stratford East from May 8th (press night 20th May) to June 8th followed by a UK tour.

Full Cast Announced for I Can't Sing X Factor Musical

The cast of the X Factor Musical I Can't Sing! are performing on the Royal Variety Show which will be televised on Monday  night at 7:30 pm.

The full cast has just been announced and  joining Nigel Harman/ X Factor supremo Simon, Cynthia Erivo/Chenice and Alan Morrissey/Max are Ashley Knight/boyband manager Louis, Victoria Elliott/pop queen Jordy, Simon Bailey/affectionate X Factor host Liam O’Deary with Billy Carter as Executive Producer and Simon’s right hand man, Gerard Smalls.

Simon Lipkin plays Chenice’s faithful canine sidekick Barlow and Joe Speare is her iron-lung bound Grandad. Along with Chenice and Max other I Can't Sing contestants include Katy Secombe/supermarket checkout assistant Brenda, Charlie Baker/The Hunchback and Shaun Smith and Rowen Hawkins as  Irish pop duo Alterboyz.

Marc Elliot joins cast of Urinetown

Marc Elliot (Syed Masood from BBC's EastEnders) has joined the cast of the musical Urinetown, which opens at St James Theatre on 11th March (previews from 22nd February) for a limited run to 3rd May 2014.

He will be playing Mr McQueen, underhand assistant to tycoon Caldwell B Cladwell.

Elliot's stage credits includes work with the RSC and The History Boys and The Lord of the Flies in the West End.

More cast just announced includes Chris Bennett, Alasdair Buchan (The Pride), Karis Jack, Aaron Lee Lambert (Shrek), Jeff Nicholson, Adam Pearce (The Light Princess) and Charlotte Scott (Singin' in the Rain).

Sir Tim Rice in Conversation with Russell Davies

Russell Davies is in conversation with British lyricist Sir Tim Rice on BBC Radio 2 at 23:00 on Monday 9th December.

Sir Tim talks about his career with a musical soundtrack illustrating this.

His latest show is the musical From Here to Eternity at the Shaftesbury Theatre which is his first original musical in over ten years.

 He has created iconic shows including Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, Chess and The Lion King winning Oscars and Golden Globes for his songs with The Walt Disney Company. He has worked with music luminaries including Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John and ABBA.

Houdini Musical starring Hugh Jackman now due on Broadway 2015/16

As previously reported, Hugh Jackman is planning to return to Broadway starring as the great showman Houdini.

The project was originally planned to open on Broadway in  2013/14, but Jackman has now said that the show would arrive within "a year or 18 months"

Houdini producer Scott Sanders confirmed this telling the New York Times that the show is now aiming for a run in 2015/16.

Jonathan Ansell on Celtic Ladies Tour

Tenor Jonathan Ansell is joining the Irish recording group the Celtic Ladies next February their 2014 UK tour along with Dublin's Irish Tenors.

The show includes Celtic hits along with favourites from The Carpenters, Adele, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and more.

Jonathan will be performing at the venues listed below. Just click on the theatre to book tickets.

5th February  - Southend Cliffs Pavilion     
6th February - Liverpool Empire 
7th February - Hull New Theatre 
8th February - Oxford New Theatre 
9th February - New Victoria Theatre Woking
10th February  - Forum Theatre Billingham 
13th February  - Bristol Hippodrome
14th February  - Grand Opera House York
15th February - New Alexandra Birmingham
17th February - Eden Court  Inverness
19th February - Richmond Theatre 

Hannah Waddingham,Adrian Hansel and Jamie Ward among West End cast reading of But I’m A Cheerleader: The Musical led by Jerry Mitchell

But I'm a Cheerleader: The Musical, with book and lyrics by Bill Augustin and music by Andrew Abrams, based on the 1999 Lionsgate cult motion picture, will receive its first London presentation in the form of an exploratory reading on Friday 6 December 2013 directed by Jerry Mitchell. 

But I’m A Cheerleader: The Musical is the story of Megan, an all-American high school cheerleader who seems to have it all; she’s popular, pretty, intelligent, has a football player boyfriend and lives the perfect high school life. But that’s all about to change! Her friends and family suspect Megan is a lesbian, and after staging an intervention, send her packing to the ‘True Directions’ rehabilitation camp to put her on the straight and narrow. Here, under the strict tutelage of headmistress Mary Brown, Megan meets Graham, a sexy tomboy who shows her exactly what her ‘true direction’ is. Hilarious, cheeky and one of a kind, But I’m A Cheerleader: The Musical is a quirky coming-of-age comedy about sexual awakening and staying true to who you are.

The London reading will be led by Tony Award® Nominated Director and Winning Choreographer Jerry Mitchell, whose recent work includes the Broadway productions of Kinky Boots (Tony Award Winner for Best Choreography), La Cage aux Folles (Tony Award Winner for Best Choreography), Legally Blonde and Hairspray. Jerry will also direct and choreograph the forthcoming West End production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. He said today: "But I’m a Cheerleader is an important, fun and infectious new musical about being who you are and never being afraid of that truth. I can’t wait to tell this story."  The London reading will feature musical direction by Richard John.

The London reading cast features 3-time Olivier Award-nominee Hannah Waddingham (A Little Night Music, The Wizard of Oz and Spamalot), Bronté Barbé (Hairspray, Kuala Lumpur), Maria Coyne (The Rocky Horror Show), Andy Conaghan (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Emma Bateman (Legally Blonde), Adrian Hansel (Hairspray), Shaun Rennie (Cats), Philip Labey (The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe), Carly Mercedes Dyer (Rock of Ages, Dirty Dancing,  Chicago), Ian Knauer (Mamma Mia!), Nicolas Colicos (The Bodyguard,Sister Act), Michael O’Connor (Once), Helen Walsh (Candide, The Sound of Music), Jamie Ward (Les Misérables), Gary Wood (A Chorus Line and Wicked), Ricky Schroeder (Naked Boys Singing), Belinda Wollaston (Jekyll and Hyde,  Dr Zhivago), Charlotte Harwood (Loserville, Legally Blonde, Flashdance), Michelle Francis (Wicked, Shrek), Jamie Muscato (The Light Princess, Rock of Ages) and Caroline Rodgers (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee).

Sondheim has written Meryl Streep new song for Into the Woods Movie

In a recent news interview Meryl Streep revealed that Stephen Sondheim has written an extra song for her character of The Witch in the new movie of into the Woods which has a very starry cast including Johnny Depp, James Corden, Chris Pine, Emily Blunt and Tracey Ullman.

She said: He gave me the manuscript of it and wrote, 'Don't f*ck it up!

Shooting finished on the film a couple of weeks ago and the current US release date is 25th December 2015 which will probably mean it's out in the UK around February 2015.

Ricardo Afonso & Rachel Wooding in Queen: A Rock and Symphonic Spectacular

Ricardo Afonso, Rachel Wooding, Peter Eldridge and Jenna Lee-James are performing Queen: A Rock and Symphonic Spectacular on Sunday 29th December at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

They will be in concert with the Halle Orchestra conducted by Richrd Sidwell performing classic numbers including Seven Seas of Rhye, I Want To Break Free, Under Pressure, Love Of My Life, Radio Gaga, Fat Bottomed Girls, A Kind of Magic, You’re My Best Friend, Tie Your Mother Down, I Want It All, One Vision, Innuendo, Who Wants To Live Forever, The Show Must Go On, Somebody To Love, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Another One Bites The Dust, We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are The Champions and Don’t Stop Me Now.

 Buy tickets for Queen: A Rock and Symphonic Spectacular

Cats the Movie?

Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed that Universal Pictures is considering a film adaptation of his musical Cats .

He said in a recent interview "Universal has now got Cats out of the drawer in which they locked it years ago when they bought the rights and suddenly they're talking about a film."

The production is currently on a tour of  the UK  and was previously filmed live on stage and released in 2000.

Cats opened on Broadway in 1982 running for  7,485 performances before closing in 2000. It held the title of Broadway's longest-running musical, but was overtaken by The Phantom of the Opera.  The show won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Lighting and Best Costumes.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical Stephen Ward starts previews at London's Aldwych Theatre  today.

Caissie Levy Joins Cast of LesMis on Broadway

Additional casting has just been announced for Les Miserables which returns to Broadway on March 1st  (opening night March 23rd) at the Imperial Theatre.

As already mentioned Ramin Karimloo will star as Jean Valjean, Will Swenson (Javert), Caissie Levy (Fantine), Nikki M James (Eponine), Andy Mientus (Marius), Charlotte Maltby (Cosette), Kyle Scatliffe(Enjolras), Cliff Saunders (Thenardier) and Keala Settle (Madame Thenardier).

The ensemble will include Erin Clemons, Emily Cramer, Natalie Charle Ellis, Jason Forbach, Heidi Giberson, Nathaniel Hackmann, Andrew Kober, Chris McCarrell, Melissa Mitchell, Dennis Moench, Adam Monley, Betsy Morgan, Melissa O'Neil, Max Quinlan, John Rapson, Terance Reddick, Arbender Robinson, Christianne Tisdale and Aaron Walpole.

The swings are Cathryn Basile, John Brink, Ben Gunderson, Rachel Rincione and Weston Wells Olson.

Gavroche, Young Cosette and Young Eponine will be cast shortly.

Lionel Bart: Reviewing the Situation Documentary

There is a documentary on BBC4 at 21:00 this Wednesday, 4th December on Oliver! composer Lionel Bart.

Lionel Bart: Reviewing the Situation tells the larger-than-life story of the charismatic and eccentric Lionel Bart, with previously unseen personal archives and interviews with Barbara Windsor, Roy Hudd, Cameron Mackintosh, Marty Wilde and Ray Davies.

It illustrates a very vivid and poignant picture of the rise and fall of one of Britain's favourite songwriters.

Military Wives to Appear in From Here to Eternity

Next Saturday, 7th December is the 72nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbour and to commemorate this the Military Wives are appearing in From Here to Eternity with AlohaEternity on stage to sing show's big anthem Boys of 41.

Louise Dearman New Album It's Time

Have just been listening to a download of Louise Dearman's new album It's Time which is released tomorrow and have to say I really love it. 

It's hard to pick out the stand out numbers, but for me What I did For Love from A Chorus Line, A New Life from Jekyll & Hyde are quite sublime with Falling Slowly from Once (which she duets with Shayne Ward) being my absolute favourite.

Dame Judi Dench will always be the ultimate performer of Send in the Clowns from A Little Night Music for me but Louise's sung version is quite beautiful.

All of the musical arrangements are understated and done in a clever way which perfectly showcases Louise's very clear and beautiful voice.

She has now left Wicked after playing both Glinda and Elphaba to perform in a series of concerts and embark on her own concert tour which I am very much looking forward to.

Sorry if I sound over the top on this one, but I love the album so much that I have actually brought the CD!

Michael Xavier, Cynthia Erivo, Peter Polycarpou, Simon Bailey, Adrian Hansel, Charlotte Wakefield & Julie Atherton West End Voices at Christmas Charity Concert

West End Voices are performing “West End Voices At Christmas”  at The Actors Church in Covent Garden on Sunday 22nd December at 7:00 pm.  Tickets for the concert are £25 and all profits will be donated to The Honeypot Children’s Charity.

This is a concert of Musical Theatre and Christmas songs sung by West End performers backed by the West End Masterclass choir hosted by Olivier Award presenter and West End Star Michael Xavier.

The line up of West End performers taking part include:

Peter Polycarpou (Miss Saigon, Sweeney Todd, Love Story)
Cynthia Erivo (Sister Act, The Color Purple, I Can't Sing X Factor Musical)
Charlotte Wakefield (Spring Awakening, Sound Of Music)
Jason Denton (Hello Dolly, Piaf)
Jodie Jacobs (Rock Of Ages, Fame)
Tommy Sherlock (Matilda, Wicked)
Julie Atherton (Avenue Q, Mamma Mia)
Sabrina Aloueche (We will Rock You, Les Miserables)
Simon Bailey (Phantom Of The Opera, Les Miserables)
Stephen Webb (From Here To Eternity, Footloose)
Stuart Matthew Price (Shrek, Parade)
Jessica Parker (seussical The Musical, Kiss Me Kate)
Adrian Hansel (Hairspray, Starlight Express)
Laura Pitt-Pulford (The Light Princess,Sunset Boulevard)

Buy tickets for West End Voices at Christmas

Graham Bickley, Mary Carewe, Alison Jiear and Sarah Lark the Music of Burt Bacharach

Responsible for 52 Top 40 hits, Burt Bacharach is one of America's most prolific and celebrated pop composers.

West End leading performers Graham Bickley, Mary Carewe, Alison Jiear and Sarah Lark are in concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra singing the Music of Burt Bacharach including "Do You Know The Way To San Jose", "Walk On By", "Alfie", "What's New Pussycat?" at Croydon Fairfield Halls on Valentine's Weekend, Saturday 15th February at 7:30 pm


You can save 32% on tickets with great seats from £17.60 & Top price £25.20 with no fees.

The Sound of Musicals final episode Top Hat & Thriller Live

The final episode of the Sound of Musicals is on Channel 4 next Tuesday 3rd December at 9:00 am.

It covers the problems of keeping audiences once the show has been open for a while and the glitz and glamour of the red carpet and PR announcements have long gone.  Reasonable size audiences are needed six days a week to cover the running costs for a medium size show which can be more than a quarter of a million each week.

It illustrates how performers who replace the existing cast at the end of their contracts are important in keeping the show fresh and alive using the example of Andrew Derbyshire who is hoping to land a part in Thriller Live with just three weeks to impress the producers. He has been in Joseph and We Will Rock You, but in recent years has been doing regional tours and is now desperate to get back into the West End.

Thriller auditions are taking place to find new performers to play the role of the young Michael Jackson. They are so hard to find that the show runs a Michael Jackson Academy teaching singing, dancing and moon walking. 13 year old Kierran's  audition is good enough for him to go straight into the show, but can he overcome terrible shyness?

Top Hat is in its second year in the West End with seven nominations for the Olivier awards. The team have also been asked to perform on the live awards show to an audience of millions which is a good way boost ticket sales. But there is good and bad news for Top Hat.

Sir Tim Rice Confirms From Here to Eternity Leaving Shaftesbury

With the news this morning that From Here To Eternity will not extend its run at the Shaftesbury Theatre when the current booking period ends next April, Sir Tim Rice has just tweeted: "FH2E future not all grim. We have to leave Shaftesbury in April but if houses continue to improve we shall find a new home! Cast/crew on fire!"

Hadley Fraser Concerts at St James' Studio

As part of St James Theatre Cabarets, West End leading man Hadley Fraser is there in concert again following three sold out shows in 2012.

He is performing two show on Sunday 16th February at  15:00 and 19:30.

His last shows sold out within hours so book tickets now for Hadley Fraser

The Pajama Game to Move into Shaftesbury

Updated 17th December: Peter Polycarpou is again playing Vernon Hines (a time and motion expert who is in love with Gladys the quick-witted secretary and is always jealous of her flirting).

Updated 16th December:  Michael Xavier and Joanna Riding to star in The Pajama Game in London's West End. Xavier to take on role played by Hadley Fraser and Riding to by released from Stephen Ward to reprise the role she played in Chichester.It will start previews on 1st May and open at the Shaftesbury on  May 13, 2014.

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According to Baz in today's Mail Richard Eyre's Chichester Festival production of The Pajama Game is due to open at the Shaftesbury Theatre next May. No official dates or casting has yet been  announced.

This will replace the new Tim Rice musical From Here to Eternity starring Darius Campbell which has been struggling to find an audience in the barn of a theatre which is known to be difficult one to fill with Hairspray starring Michael Ball being the last show to do any real business there. The show is currently booking to 26th April 2014 which will probably be its closing date unless it decides to shutter earlier.

In the Chichester production Hadley Fraser played Sid Sorokin, Joanna Riding was Catherine 'Babe' Williams with Peter Polycarpou as Vernon Hines. All three were exceptional so it would be great if some of them could make the West End transfer.

More news to follow.

Me and My Girl Back in London Next Year?

Fiery Angel are planning a revival of the musical Me and My Girl  for the West End in late 2014/15. They are  a co-producer of The Ladykillers at the Vaudeville Theatre and The 39 Steps at the Criterion.They toured the show around the UK in 2006 and later produced it in 2010 at Sheffield Theatres.

Robert Lindsay played cockney millionaire heir Bill Snibson  in the 1980s with Emma Thompson as "his girl". Other Bills have included Gary Wilmot and Tim Curry and Homeland's Damian Lewis was reportedly in talks to take on the role earlier this year.  When he recently hosted the Evening Standard Awards he said was yearning to return to the musical stage and opened the Awards ceremony with an impressive performance of Leaning on a Lamp Post from the show.

More Casting for Miss Saigon

Updated 29th November:  There has been a change in plan on the role of Kim and Julia Abueva and Tanya Manalang will now be covers for Eva Noblezada and not alternates.

The cast from Miss Saigon which opens next May in London has already been announced with 17 year old Eva Noblezada playing the title role of Kim for just four performances a week so that she can continue with her studies. Julia Abueva and Tanya Manalang will be alternating the role for the remaining four shows.

18 year old Abueva recently graduated from the Singapore American School and has performed in shows with Pangdemonium Productions, New Voice Company and Repertory Philippines. She is next playing Cinderella at the Resorts World Manila.

Manalang is also 18 and from the Phillipines. She is currently at Theatre School  in London. She played 'Liesl' in The Sound of Music and 'Tuptim' in The King and I at the Resorts World Manila.

Strictly Come Dancing does the Musicals

It's week 10 of Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday when the remaining celebrities will be performing to songs from the musicals.

•  Ashley and Ola: Rumba - A Whole New World from Aladdin by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle
•  Patrick and Anya: Charleston - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
•  Abbey and Aljaz: Salsa - You Should Be Dancing by the Bee Gees from Saturday Night Fever
•  Sophie and Brendan: Viennese Waltz to the Sound of Music's My Favourite Things by Julie Andrews
•  Mark and Iveta: Samba to The Lion King’s I Just Can’t Wait To Be King
•  Susanna and Kevin: Quickstep - Singin’ In The Rain's Good Morning
•  Natalie and Artem: American Smooth - Dreamgirls' I Am Telling You I’m Not Going by Jennifer Hudson

You can see them dancing this Saturday at 7:00pm on BBC1.

Matthew Morrison When You See My Name In Lights

Broadway leading man and Glee's Matthew Morrison is presenting When You See My Name In Lights on Christmas Day on BBC Radio 2 from 6:00pm-8:00 pm.

Everyone's journey to stardom is different and  Matthew presents two hours of Broadway hits taking you through his rise to fame. He has one song that he's used in every audition:  On The Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady.

 He will be going backstage to share the dreams of some of the leading men and leading ladies on  Broadway.

Elaine Paige Announces her Page by Page by Paige Farewell Tour

Elaine Paige has just announced her Page by Page by Paige new UK concert for 2014 celebrating her 50th Anniversary in show business is to be her ‘farewell’ tour.

She said:   “I’ve thought long and hard about this decision, but feel this landmark event, my 50th Anniversary, is a good time to bid adieu. I’m really look forward to seeing everyone – it’ll be As If We Never Said Goodbye!”

The tour starts on Thursday 9th October 2014 at St David’s Hall in Cardiff and ends at the Brighton Dome on Wednesday 22nd October, including a special show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 20th October with special guests and the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Presale bookings will open from 10am on Thursday 28 November and go on general sale on Friday 29th November at the following venues:

• Thursday 09 October – Cardiff St David’s Hall
• Saturday 11 October – Bristol Colston Hall
• Sunday 12 October – Manchester Bridgewater Hall
• Tuesday 14 October – Gateshead Sage 
• Wednesday 15 October – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
• Friday 17 October – Birmingham Symphony Hall
• Saturday 18 October – Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre
• Monday 20th October - London Royal Albert Hall
• Wednesday 22 October – Brighton Dome

Elaine Paige in Line Up for Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

The line up of celebrities appearing in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special has just been announced.

The show will be televised on BBC1 25th December and Elaine Paige will be joined by Rochelle Humes from girl band The Saturdays, radio DJ Sara Cox, EastEnders' actor Ricky Norwood, comedian and West End performer Rufus Hound and singer Matt Goss.

Professional dancers Ian Waite, Pasha Kovalev and Robin Windsor will partner Rochelle, Elaine and Sara respectively, while Aliona Vilani, Flavia Cacace and Janette Manrara will dance with Matt, Rufus and Ricky.

All six couples will perform a festive dance in a battle to be crowned 2013 Christmas champions and lift the silver star trophy.

Cast for Tour of Fame the Musical

The cast has just been announced for the tour of Fame the Musical which kicks off at Wimbledon Theatre in February.

The show will feature a young, energetic cast fresh from drama school including Jodie Steele as Carmen Diaz, Harry Bleumenau as Schlomo Metzenbaum, Sarah Harlington as Serena Katz, Alex Jordan-Mills as Nick Piazza, Molly Stewart as Mabel Washington, Alex Thomas as Tyrone Jackson, Sasi Strallen as Iris Kelly, Joseph Giacone as Joe Vegas, John Canmore as Mr Scheinkopf, Alexandra Sarmiento as Grace 'Lambchops' Lamb, Ross Lee Fowkes as Goodman 'Goody' King, David Haydn as Mr Myers who will be joined by Ryan Lee Seager, AaRon James, Farrah Abigail Hussain, Micha Richardson and Hannah Wilson. Further casting still to be announced.