Casting announced for A Tribute to the Musicals

Paul Burton Productions (producers of  the successful Sunday at the Musicals concerts) are staging another charity concert in London to raise funds for Marie Curie UK:  A Tribute to the Musicals will take place at PizzaExpress Live (Holborn) on Sunday 16th September at 8.00pm. Host Rosemarie Ford will introduce a cast of  musical theatre performers singing songs from past and present shows.

The concert is being  directed by Charlotte Peters. Subject to availability, the singers will include: Lucyelle Cliffe (Legally Blonde), Pippa D. Collins, Lizzie Deane, Jason Denton (Spamilton), Christopher Howell (42nd Street), Gracie Johnson (Dreamboats and Petticoats), Maria Kesselman (played Christine opposite Michael Crawford’s Phantom), Rebecca Lafferty (Les Misérables), Hannah-Grace Lawson (Les Misérables), Alex Lodge (Book of Mormon), Luke McCall (The Phantom of the Opera), Faryl Smith (Britain’s Got Talent), Carrie Sutton (Oklahoma!), Alexandra Waite-Roberts (Funny Girl), Pippa Winslow (9 to 5) and Monique Young (Kiss Me Kate).

Buy tickets for A Tribute to the Musicals

Imelda Staunton to appear in Downtown Abbey Movie

Olivier Award-winning actor IMELDA STAUNTON is  joining  the cast of the big screen adaptation of the television drama, Downton Abbey joining  her husband Jim Carter (Carson the butler)  portraying  the Earl of Grantham's cousin with shooting for the film beginning on September 10th.

Othe new cast members include Geraldine James, Simon Jones, David Haig, Tuppence Middleton, Kate Phillips, and Stephen Campbell Moore with the  original principal cast, including Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville,  set to reprise their upstairs/downstairs roles with Focus and Universal Pictures International distributing. Creator Julian Fellowes has written the film's screenplay and will also serve as producer alongside Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge. Brian Percival (The Book Thief), who directed the series' pilot, will helm the film. Nigel Marchant will also return as executive producer.

Neame said, "When the television series drew to a close it was our dream to bring the millions of global fans a movie and now, after getting many stars aligned, we are shortly to go into production. Julian's script charms, thrills and entertains and in Brian Percival's hands we aim to deliver everything that one would hope for as Downton comes to the big screen."

First casting announced for Fiddler at the Roof at the Chocolate Factory

According to Baz Bamigboye in today's Mail, actor, writer and director ANDY NYMAN has been cast in the lead role of  Tevye the dairyman and father of five daughters who wants to keep his way of life as everything changes around him in Fiddler on the Roof which is the Chocolate Factory's Christmas Production.  

Nyman is an  best known as co-creator of the long-running horror stage-play Ghost Stories  (2017), The Commuter action thriller  (2018) and Death at a Funeral  British ensemble black comedy film directed by Frank Oz (2007). His theatre credits include Abigail's Party as Lawrence, Hangmen as Syd and Sondheim and Weidman's Assassins at the Menier playing  Charles Guiteau (2014-2015)

Nyman met with Sheldon Harnick, who wrote Fiddler’s lyrics and said, “Don’t play it for laughs. Play it straight”. The actor said doing Fiddler would be ‘an extraordinary opportunity’, especially as   his great-grandparents fled Lithuania and went through some of the ordeals fictional Tevye and his family endured. And he said that despite having a smaller family he felt close to his character.

Tim Minchin new UK tour BACK - 2019 just announced

TIM MINCHIN has just announced his first UK tour of stand up shows since his sold-out national arena tour of Tim Minchin and his Orchestra in 2010-2011.

The show is running in October and November 2019 and is described as  Old Songs, New Songs, F*** You Songs, hinting at a set list of material from all aspects of Minchin's wide repertoire.

Presale tickets for the 2019 Back tour will be available at 9:00 am on 5th September for those who register via Ticketmaster's verified fan page. General sale tickets go on sale at 10:00 am on  6th September. Profit from a number of top price seats will be donated to a UK charity - details of which will be announced through his website soon.

Minchin's  portfolio of work includes six albums, five live show DVDs and numerous television appearances. He wrote and composed Olivier Award-winning, Tony Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated show Matilda the Musical which premiered in London's West End In 2011. In 2016 his new musical Groundhog Day, based on the 1993 film, was similarly a huge success and won him a second Olivier Award.

The Tim Minchin Back 2019 tour kick-starts on Mon 15 Oct 2019 at Regent Theatre in Ipswich with details of dates here. 

   

Emma Hatton, Alexia Khadime and Dean John-Wilson performing Scott Alan's The Distance You Have Come

Some impressive casting has just been announced for Scott Alan song cycle The Distance You Have Come which runs at The Cockpit from 16 to 28 October 2018: Andy Coxon (Hair, The Vaults; Yank!, Charing Cross Theatre; Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, Aldwych Theatre) is Samuel, who has long been searching for the perfect match he eventually finds in Brian - a hopeless romantic played by Adrian Hansel (Starlight Express, Apollo, Victoria Theatre; Hairspray, Shaftesbury Theatre; Five Guys Named Moe, Marble Art Theatre) with  Emma Hatton (Evita, Phoenix Theatre; Wicked, Apollo Theatre; We Will Rock You, Dominion Theatre) play Maisey who is trapped in a relationship with an addict but strives to further explore her own dream of finding success in the theatre, Jodie Jacobs (Rock of Ages, West End; Little Shop of Horrors, West End; The Wedding Singer, UK Tour) whose character, Anna, is unlucky in love yet determined to put her failed relationships behind her and move on.

The cast also includes Dean John-Wilson (King and I, Palladium; Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre; Songs For A New World, St James Theatre) as Joe, who uses alcohol to numb his feelings after plummeting to the depths of depression without the woman he thought he thought was his soulmate, and Alexia Khadime (Wicked, Apollo Theatre; Lion King, Lyceum Theatre; Book in Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre) as Laura who tries to recapture her self-worth as she shares her struggles with depression and life as an artist.

The Distance You Have Come has  musical direction by Scott Morgan (Rent, The Cockpit Theatre; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Arts Theatre).

Alan said: "I have long been asked to bring together my eight albums worth of songs, to stream a line of stories together. I never thought it was time. It wasn't until the release of my latest album, "Lifeline", that I feel I had an ending that was less about the gravity of where I've been, and more about the advancement of who I am today and the pride that I have within that."

Tickets for The Distance You Have Come  at The Cockpit

New Mrs Doubtfire Musical confirmed for Broadway next spring

According to Playbill,  four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks (most recently represented on Broadway with the Tony-winning revival of Hello, Dolly!) will direct the new musical Mrs Doubtfire which will be written by the Tony-nominated creators of Something Rotten!: John O'Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick (book) and Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick (music and lyrics). based on Anne Fine's best-selling novel Alias Madame Doubtfire and the 1993 comedy of the same name.

The  musical version of Mrs Doubtfire will play on Broadway at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in March 2020 , with an opening night on 5th  April. The show has an out-of-town run in Seattle this winter.

Mrs. Doubtfire follows the journey of a struggling actor who will go to any length to be with his children after he loses custody in a bitter divorce, disguising himself as a matronly British woman and taking a job as their nanny, in his ex-wife’s home. Robin Williams starred in the best-selling comedy of 1993

This announcement marks a full shift from the creative team that was announced in 2015: Tony Award winners Alan Menken, David Zippel, and Harvey Fierstein, who appeared in the Golden Globe-winning film.

Casting, additional creative team, and a production schedule will be announced at a later date.

In a joint statement, producers Kevin McCollum and Bob Cohen of Fox Stage Productions said, “Mrs. Doubtfire is such a beloved story, both laugh-out-loud hilarious and extremely moving. Getting this team together and crafting Mrs. Doubtfire for the stage has been pure joy. We can’t wait to get into production.”

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Paul Goodhead Seeing Stars at The Other Palace

In celebration of  his 35 years in showbusiness, Paul Goodhead is returning to London for one night only on Saturday 1st September at The Other Palace Studio in his show Seeing Stars which last toured the UK in 2017.

With compere and special guest Gary Bland, the evening includes his music, comedy and star memories of a remarkable career with legendary tributes to Danny La Rue, Dorothy Squires and Dame Shirley Bassey  recalling friendships with Anthony Newley and  Dorothy Squires and interviews with Sir Bruce Forsyth, Petula Clark and many more. 

Watch a trailer here 

Buy tickets for Paul Goodhead Seeing Stars  

King and I London to be shown in cinemas this November

It has just been confirmed that the current West End production of The King and I, will be filmed live at the London Palladium and is set to be screened in select UK cinemas for one night only on November 29th    2018. More information and ticket information here.

 

The multi Tony Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I transferred from Broadway to London following a critically acclaimed 16 month run at New York's Lincoln Center Theater and an unprecedented continuing record-breaking sold out USA tour.

At the London Palladium, the show stars three of the original Lincoln Center Theater lead actors: Tony Award winner  Kelli O'Hara as Anna Leonowens, film star, Oscar and Tony nominee (for his role on The King and I) Ken Watanabe in the title role of The King of Siam and Ruthie Ann Miles reprising her Tony Award winning role of Lady Thiang. Japanese actress Naoko Mori shares the role of Lady Thiang. Takao Osawa, the multi-award-winning actor and star of one of Japan's most popular television series JIN, plays the Kralahome, trusted adviser to The King of Siam. Dean John-Wilson (who starred in the title role of Disney's original West End production of Aladdin) and Na-Young Jeon play the young lovers, Lun Tha and Tuptim.

Full casting information for Bernstein's On The Town this Saturday on BBC4

On what would have been Leonard Bernstein's 100th birthday, and launching a bank-holiday Bernstein weekend at the Proms, John Wilson returns to conduct his second Bernstein musical of the season: On the Town which follows the adventures of three sailors (Gabey, Chip and Ozzie)  on shore leave in New York City determined to see the sights, and meet three women.The show opened on Broadway in 1944 with classic songs including New York, New York; Come Up To My Place and Some Other Time.  A 1949 film version starred Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin

The concert is being televised live from the Royal Albert Hall on BBC4 on Saturday 25th August at 19:30 with Katie Derham presenting and special guest Clarke Peters, it fetaures  a star-studded line-up of singers including Nathaniel Hackmann as Gabey  and Louise Dearman as Hildy, while Fra Fee who, alongside Nathaniel Hackmann, rose to prominence through his role in, takes on the role of ‘Chip’.

In addition, West End Phantom of the Opera stars Celinde Schoenmaker and Nadim Naaman take on the respective roles of ‘Claire’ and ‘Ozzie’. ArtsEd graduateSiena Kelly continues on from the Open Air Theatre production of On the Town in the role as ‘Ivy Smith’, and fellow Phantom alumnus Claire Moore portrays ‘Madame Dilly’. Bass and former English National Opera Harewood Artist Barnaby Rea will play ‘First Workman/Judge Pitkin’.

Veteran actor and voice artist Kerry Shale will narrate the production. His body of work spans decades, including prominent roles in films such as Little Shop of Horrors, Yentl and the upcoming Angel Has Fallen, as well as a wealth of roles for the BBC including radio plays Dr. Strangelove and A Confederacy of Dunces and television voice roles in Dr. Who, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and Thomas and Friends.

Duncan James joining Chicago as Billy Flynn

Blue band member Duncan James will join the cast of Chicago the  musical  from 10th September taking over the role of Billy Flynn from Martin Kemp whose  run in the role ends on 1st September.  

James previously played the part in 2008 and joins Alexandra Burke as Roxie Hart, Josefina Gabrielle as Velma Kelly, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton and Paul Rider as Amos Hart. He has  most recently been playing the role of Ryan in the  Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks.  Duncan rose to fame as one quarter of the band Blue, which, to date, has had 40 Number One singles worldwide, three Number One UK albums and sales of over 16 million records. Duncan's television roles include being a presenter on Soapstar Superstar, Capital FM's Party In The Park, City Hospital, T4, The Clothes Show and GMTV's Entertainment Today. He was a finalist in ITV's Dancing On Ice in 2007, and appeared on the  arena tour.  His other musical theatre credits  include Warner Huntington III in the West End production of Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre.

Breaking News: Waitress The Musical to open in London next Spring

Sara Bareilles and Jessie Nelson's Tony-nominated musical Waitress will have its UK premiere at the Adelphi Theatre  next February  with Kinky Boots due to end its run there on 12th January.

The musical  is  currently running on Broadway and is based on the 2007 film of the same name written by Adrienne Shelly. It tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage and  abusive relationship with her husband Earl. When Jenna unexpectedly becomes pregnant she begins an affair with her gynaecologist Dr Jim Pomatter. Looking for ways out she sees a pie contest and its grand prize as her chance. 

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's  film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna, A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

The musical opened on Broadway in March 2016 with Jessie Mueller as the lead character. It went on to be nominated for four Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards, as well as a Grammy Award.

The UK production will be the first West End musical to have an all-female creative team, with direction by Diane Paulus (Pippin) and choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les Liaisons Dangereuses).

Bareilles said: "I cannot contain my excitement that we will be bringing Waitress to the West End!! This is a dream come true! And I must say, to be hosted in a theatre co-owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and the Nederlander Group makes this very sweet moment even sweeter.We are so proud of this beautiful show, and can't wait to share the story of Jenna with a whole new audience and welcome them into the world of Waitress with open arms and plenty of pie."

Casting for the West End production and booking information for the show will be announced later this year.

Jordan Luke Gage to take over role of Strat in Meatloaf's Bat Out Of Hell

Following the announcement that  Andrew Polec is leaving  West End production of Bat Out of Hell, a new Strat has been confirmed  with Jordan Luke Gage  taking over the role which was  originated by Polec from 3rd September.

Gage has been performing as the alternate to Polec's Strat, and made his West End debut as Hoffman in the show.

He said: "I'm overwhelmed to be taking over the iconic role of Strat in Bat Out Of Hell. Being part of this incredible show and company has been a life-changing experience for me and I have learned so much from working with the extraordinary talent that is Andrew Polec. I want to thank everyone at Bat Out Of Hell for giving me this opportunity and to thank Andrew for his support and friendship. He has been an outstanding Strat."

Simon Gordon will continue to be the alternate Strat.

Menier Chocolate Factory announce Fiddler on the Roof as Christmas production

The Menier Chocolate Factory has just announced a new staging  of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, which will run there from 23rd November 2018 - 9th March 2019 with tickets  going  on sale to Supporters from Tuesday 28th August and  public booking open on 5th  September.

TREVOR NUNN will direct the production which has a book by JOSEPH STEIN, lyrics by SHELDON HARNIC and music by JERRY BOCK

One of the world’s most-beloved musicals of all time, Fiddler on the Roof is the  heart-breaking story of the travails of Tevye the milkman and his wife and five daughters features such classic songs including  “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”.

Motown The Musical to end its run at the Shaftesbury next April

It has just been announced that  Motown the Musical is to end its run at the Shaftesbury Theatre in  the West End on 20th  April 2019.

It had its world premiere in April 2013 in New York and  opened in London in February 2016 having celebrated over 1330 performances. It is  closing next year so that some much needed scheduled major refurbishments can take place. A UK tour starts in October of this year and next  January  the record label celebrates its sixtieth birthday.

The show tells the story of Motown's Barry Gordy, who went from being a boxer to music mogul with the help of $800 lent to him by his family. He launched the careers of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson and the show features songs including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "I'll Be There", "Dancing In the Street", "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "I Heard It on the Grapevine".

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Cast and new song revealed for Heathers Musical West End transfer

The final details have been announced for the West End transfer of Heathers the Musical, which opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in September  following a sell out  run at The Other Palace.

Joining the cast will be Hugh Maynard (Miss Saigon) as Ram's Dad, John Lumsden (Les Misérables) as Hipster Dork and Merryl Ansah (Beautiful) as Drama Club Drama Queen.

Continuing in the cast is Carrie Hope Fletcher as Veronica, Jodie Steele (Chandler), T'Shan Williams (Duke) and Sophie Isaacs (McNamara) as the Heathers, with  Jamie Muscato as Jason Dean. The cast is completed by Chris Chung (Kurt Kelly), Dominic Anderson (Ram Sweeney), Jenny O'Leary (Martha Dunnstock), Rebecca Lock (Ms. Flemming), Jon Boydon (Kurt's Dad), Alex James Hatton (Officer Milner), Charlotte Jaconelli (Stoner Chick), Lauren Drew (New Wave Girl), Olivia Moore (Young Rerepublicanette), and Sergio Pasquariello (Officer McCord).

The production will also feature a new song for Veronica called "I Say No", and an updated script, - both of which were added in the final week of performances at The Other Palace.

Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy's musical has direction from Andy Flickman, choreography by Gary Lloyd, design by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Dan Samson.

Andrew Polec to leave Bat Out of Hell on 1st September

Andrew Polec who plays the lead character Strat in Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical   is leaving the  show on 1st September 2018 to lead the cast on the new North American tour of themusical. A new Strat has been confirmed  with Jordan Luke Gage  taking over the role which was  originated by Polec from 3rd September.Gage has been performing as the alternate to Polec's Strat, and made his West End debut as Hoffman in the show.

He said : “Bat Out of Hell – The Musical has changed my life – it’s a true gift. I’ve never felt so warmly welcomed and loved by so many thoughtful, generous people who hold Jim Steinman and Meat’s music so close to their hearts. It’s been an honour being part of this show, and phenomenal to work with this amazing cast and team. Plus – I get to sing this brilliant music night after night for the best fans in the world!During the Dominion’s first preview, we were met with a full standing ovation. As I walked onto the stage, I thought the roof of the theatre was going to blow off. As Steinman says ‘I was lost, till you were found’. ‘For Crying Out Loud’, I love you all and I’ll miss you dearly. I’m eternally grateful, thank you. Keep rocking and loving – I will always carry you in my heart.” –

Full casting announced for Guys & Dolls at Royal Albert Hall

Updated 12th September: Further casting has NOW been announced with Lara Pulver (Gypsy)   playing Sarah Brown, with Stephen Mangan (The Birthday Party) taking  on the role of the narrator.

Also joining the cast is Sharon D Clarke as General Cartwright, and Paul Nicholas (Jesus Christ Superstar)  as Arvide Abernathy.

The cast will also include Stephane Anelli, Dan Burton, Cory English, Julian Forsyth, Nia Jermin, Alexis Owen Hobbs, Sévan Stephan, Matthew Whennell-Clark, Davide Fienauri, Stevie Hutchinson, Ross McLaren, Ebony Molina, Jo Morris, Cris Penfold, Jak Skelly, Rachel Stanley and Alexandra Waite-Roberts.

They join previously announced cast members Adrian Lester, Jason Manford, Meow Meow, Clive Rowe and Joe Stilgoe.

Two-time Olivier Award-winner Stephen Mear is directing  and choreographing a semi-staged version of the classic musical comedy, Guys and Dolls at The Royal Albert Hall on Friday and Saturday 19th & 20th October 2018 at 7:30 pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2:30 pm. Musical director James McKeon, and design by  Morgan Large.

Initial casting has just been announced with  Adrian Lester starring  as Sky Masterson wth  Jason Manford as Nathan Detroit and Meow Meow as Miss Adelaide. While the supporting cast is headed by acclaimed jazz singer and pianist Joe Stilgoe as Benny Southstreet, Cory English (Young Frankenstein) as Rusty and Clive Rowe reprising the role of Nicely Nicely Johnson for which he won an Olivier in 1997. Rowe’s other West End credits include The Ladykillers (Gielgud Theatre) and Kiss Me, Kate (The Old Vic). Accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, the production will feature showstoppers including "Luck Be a Lady", "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" and "My Time of Day".

Adrian Lester is best known for the BBC’s Hustle and his performance as Othello at the National Theatre in 2013, which won him Best Actor at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards. His musical-theatre credits include Sweeney Todd (also at the National) and his Olivier-winning performance in Sam Mendes’ production of Company at the Donmar Warehouse and in the West End. He said: "It's been a few years since I've been on stage and quite a few more since I've been in a musical, but singing at the Royal Albert Hall, backed by the Royal Philharmonic, is an opportunity too good to miss. I'm really looking forward to singing Sky Masterson as part of a great company."

Jason Manford is one of the UK’s leading stand-ups, who made his stage debut in Sweeney Todd, opposite Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton. This led to a starring role in The Producers and a year-long run in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He hosted the Olivier Awards at the Hall last year.

International cabaret star Meow Meow  initiated the role of the Maîtresse in the Gielgud Theatre adaptation of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

Stephen Mear won Olivier Awards for his choreography on Mary Poppins (with Matthew Bourne) and Hello, Dolly!, with West End shows  including Singin’ in the Rain, Sweet Charity and the acclaimed revival of Gypsy, starring Imelda Staunton.

James McKeon’s credits include last year’s UK tour of Miss Saigon, Evita at the Adelphi Theatre, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium. He was also the organist at the famous 25th anniversary Phantom of the Opera concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

The work of acclaimed designer Morgan Large was recently seen in Ruthless at the Arts Theatre, and Death Takes a Holiday at the Charing Cross Theatre. His previous credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Novello Theatre), Othello (Sheffield Crucible) and Room on the Broom (worldwide).

Buy Tickets for Guys & Dolls

Carrie Hope Fletcher, Michael Xavier and Sharon D Clarke confirmed for UK's first StageCon

A number of West End stars have just been confirmed for UK's first  StageCon theatre convention which will run on 3rd and 4th November this year at Shoreditch Town Hall. The format will be similar to New York's theatre convention BroadwayCon representing all aspects of theatre, from musicals to plays, opera and dance and those who develop theatre as well as performers.

It will feature appearances from West End stars including Carrie Hope Fletcher, Christina Bennington, Cameron Blakely, Samantha Bond, Sharon D Clarke, Sophie Evans, Cherrelle Skeete and Michael Xavier. Louise Dearman, Alice Fearn, David Hunter, Debbie Kurup, Scott Paige, Steph Parry, Stuart Matthew Price, Caroline Sheen and Charlotte Wakefield. Plus events including live performances, sing-a-longs, discussions, cast reunions, panels, games, previews, workshops, meet and greets and showcases. There will be a Villageof stalls offering  goods, merchandise and theatrical services. Vendors included are National Theatre Bookshop, Zeat Art, The Royal Theatrical Fund and WhatsOnStage. 

A portion of profits from StageCon will be donated to The Royal Theatrical Fund. The Presidents Robert Lindsay, said: "We are looking forward to being involved with this new and exciting opportunity for the theatre community. It is important that we let those in our industry know about the range of assistance we provide, including benefits advice and help with financial problems. "

More names and events will be announced in due course. A day ticket for the event costs £85 and a weekend ticket costs £160.

Buy tickets for StageCon

Cast announced for West End Does:Halloween Concert I Screamed A Scream

Tickets are now on sale for the concert West End Does: Halloween I Screamed A Scream at the Fortune Theatre on 28th October at 6:30 pm.

Featuring an all star West End Cast including Carrie Hope Fletcher (Heathers), Craig Mather (Wind in the Willows) and Rob Houchen (Eugenius), alongside Emma Kingston (Evita), Jordan Lee Davis (Bat Out Of Hell), Charlotte Kennedy (Les Miserables) and Jenny O’Leary (Heathers) with more special guests still be announced.

Forty Four Productions presents West End Does: Halloween featuring an all star West End Cast, celebrating all things spooky with spine tingling songs from hit West End Shows & pop culture, whilst also giving you chills, bumps & screams throughout this 2 hour concert (with 20 minute interval). Dressing up is encouraged, although not compulsory. This Concert will be supporting The Make A Wish Foundation UK.

Previous Concerts include West End Does: The Magic of Animation and West End Does: Bond

Any people with a particularly nervous disposition are encouraged to not sit in the Stalls. 

Tickets for West End Does:Halloween

New Cast for Matilda West End just announced

New casting has been announced from 11th September 2018 for the West End production of Matilda the Musical , which is booking until October 2019 at the Cambridge Theatre,

Gina Beck will stay on  for a second year as Miss Honey. She will be joined by Hayden Tee (Les Misérables, South Pacific) as Miss Trunchbull, with Rob Compton (Wonder.land) and Holly Dale Spencer (Annie) playing Mr and Mrs Wormwood. 

The full adult cast includes Alex Louize Bird, Gina Beck, Rob Compton, Holly Dale Spencer, Jaye Elster, Glen Facey, Alex Hammond, Peter Houston, Jessica Joslin, Bethany Kate, Sammy Kelly, Ben Kerr, Bryan Mottram, Malinda Parris, James Revell, Gemma Scholes, Simon Shorten, Hayden Tee, Callum Train and Robert Tregoning. 

Isobel Hubble and Francesca McKeown will join Sarah Munday and Olivia Wells as the titular role. The other young performers announced today join the London company in the three teams who play the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall and are as follows: Lois Abercrombie, Tom Brown, Emilia Bosi, Toby Brandon, Quincy Miller-Cole, Lottie Cook, Imogen Darwen, Jimmy Fordham Reed, Clara Freeman Alves, Stella Haden, Jobe Hart, Noah Leggott, Archie Lewis, Henry Littell, Austen Phelan, Marley Quinlan-Gardner, Daisy Statham, Cherry Vaughn-White and Rochelle Wyatt. 

Jacob Bland, Mia Byers, Sadie Victoria Lim, Asher Ezequiel, Darmani Eboji and Sam Winser will continue in the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the pupils at Crunchem Hall.

The show is also on a UK and Ireland tour until August 2019.

Danielle Hope and Sam Ferriday to join the cast of tour of ROCK OF AGES

It has just been announced that Danielle Hope and Sam Ferriday will join the cast of the tour of  ROCK OF AGES which opens at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley on 20th September

Danielle won BBC One’s ‘Over the Rainbow’, which lead to her professional debut in the lead role of Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of “The Wizard Of Oz” at the London Palladium. Since then she  has starred as Éponine in the West End production of “Les Misérables”, as Maria in the UK tour of “The Sound Of Music”, and recently finished touring the UK as Sandy in “Grease”.

Sam Ferriday’s previous theatre credits include “The Jersey Boys” and “GHOST The Musical” UK Tours. He toured with “The Blue Man Group” across the USA and appeared in the Prodigals musical at Coventry Belgrade.

Danielle will play role of ‘Sherrie’ until 24 November and from 26th  November Jodie Steele will play the role after starring in ‘Heathers The Musical’ at the Royal Haymarket this autumn.

Sam Ferriday will play the role of ‘Stacee Jaxx’ until 9th December.

Danielle and Sam will join the previously announced Kevin Kennedy who will play ‘Dennis’, Zoe Birkett ‘Justice’, Luke Walsh ‘Drew’, Lucas Rush ‘Lonny’, Andrew Carthy ‘Franz’, Vas Constanti ‘Hertz’ and Rhiannon Chesterman ‘Regina’.Also joining the cast are Erin Bell, Alexander Day, Joshua Dever, Paris Green, Sinead Kenny, Ryan Lee-Seager, Adam Strong, Saran Webb and Bobby Windebank.

Linzi Hateley to lead new cast of Blood Brothers tour

Olivier Award nominated  Linzi Hateley is to play  Mrs Johnstone in the next tour of Willy Russell's Blood Brothers which opens at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 4th September.  She said, "Mrs Johnstone is an iconic role that I've always secretly dreamed of playing. I'm thrilled to finally get the chance to fulfill a dream - and to perform it to audiences right across our country."

Linzi has performed in many West End productions:  most recently as Donna in Mamma Mia! At just seventeen years old, she was cast in the title role of CARRIE: THE MUSICAL, which took her to Broadway. She went on to star as The Narrator in the London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, with  Jason Donovan as Joseph with other West End roles including Éponine in Les Misérables, Roxie Hart in Chicago, Rizzo in Grease and Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins. She also starred as Helen in the National Theatre's revival of London Road.

Other cast member s joining her for for Blood Brothers includes Sarah Jane Buckley/Mrs Lyons , Sean Jones/Mickey, Mark Hutchinson/Eddie, Robbie Scotcher/Narrator, Danielle Corlass/Linda, Tim Churchill/Mr Lyons, Graham Martin/Policeman/Teacher, Amy Jane Ollies, Alison Crawford/Brenda, Graeme Kinniburgh/Bus Conductor, Andy Owens/Perkins and Josh Capper/Neighbour.

Alexandra Burke to star in the new tour of THE BODYGUARD

Producers, Michael Harrison and David Ian have just announced  that Alexandra Burke will return to the starring role of Rachel Marron in the new  tour  of  THE BODYGUARD  which opens  at Glasgow Theatre Royal on Monday 3 December 2018. Further casting news is to follow.
 

Alexandra  returns to the role of Rachel Marron following her triumphant run in the show in both the West End and the subsequent sell out 2015/2016 tour. She first rose to fame after winning the fifth series of The X Factor and her debut number one single Hallelujah sold over one million copies in the UK, a first for a British female soloist. She most recently appeared as Svetlana in Chess at the London Coliseum and will soon appear as Roxie Hart in Chicago at the  Phoenix Theatre. Last year she reached the final of “Strictly Come Dancing”. Her other theatre credits include ‘Deloris Van Cartier’ in the national tour of the musical “Sister Act”. 

Alexandra Burke will perform the role of ‘Rachel Marron’ at all evening performances only.

Dein Perry's Tap Dogs returns to London in October

Dein Perry's Tap Dogs returns to the London stage with its trademark blend of live music and tap dance. Combining high voltage, rugged, raw talent Tap Dogs has taken the world by storm.

The winner of over 11 international awards including an Olivier. Tap Dogs will be at the Peacock Theatre in Holborn from 23rd October-10th November 2018 with tickets from £15

Tap Dogs is the ultimate visual tap dance spectacular with world-class dancers performing upside down or even on water. Dressed in boots and jeans, the six muscular Tap Dogs men tap, stomp, jump and splash their way through the show that combines workman poser with precision, high energy, and raw and raunchy routines.

Following its premiere at the Sydney Festival in 1995, Tap Dogs went on be a huge hit at the Edinburgh Fringe before making its sell-out debut at Sadler’s Wells. It returned to Sadler’s Wells in 2001 to celebrate five years of continuous touring around the globe.The global smash hit has appeared in over 330 cities on six continents and has been seen live by over 12 million people. A worldwide television audience of over 3.4 billion saw 1,000 Tap Dogs performing in the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympics.

Cast announced for John Wilson Orchestra West Side Story Prom

The BBC Proms have just announced the cast for the two concert performances led by John Wilson and the John Wilson Orchestra of Bernstein’s West Side Story at the Proms on Saturday 11th  August.

Leading the cast will be Mikaela Bennett as ‘Maria’ and Ross Lekites as ‘Tony’. Mikaela, a recent graduate of The Julliard School, has made her debuts with the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York Philharmonic’s Young People’s Concerts in performances of West Side Story, as well as taking part in Bernstein on Broadway at the Kennedy Center, a concert celebrating the centenary of his birth. Ross Lekites  has sung the part of Tony many times in the US but now brings it  to the UK for the first time.

Eden Espinosa (best known for her performance in the musical Wicked) performs the role of Anita, whilst Leo Roberts plays Riff and Gian Marco Schiaretti (Evita West End and tour) joins the line-up as Bernardo.

Joining them will be Shark Girls/ Emma Kingston: Rosalia, Leila Zaidi: Francisca and Jocasta Almgill: Consuelo.

Jet Boys/Christopher Jordan Marshall: Snowboy, Alistair Brammer: Action, Jack North:Baby,  John Michael Colbourne: Diesel and Fra Fee: A-Rab with Louise Alder Soprano singing Somewhere.

The Chorus will be made up of students from ArtsEd and Mountview musical theatre schools.

West Side Story will be at the Royal Albert Hall on 11th August at 3.30pm and 8.00pm and broadcast live on  BBC Radio 3 at 8.00pm.

Tim Howar to lead new Phantom of the Opera Cast

As THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA heads into its 33rd year, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh have just  announced that Tim Howar will play The Phantom for from 3rd September – 8th December 2018.

Also joining the cast on 3rd September 2018 will be Kimberly Blake as Carlotta Giudicelli and Ross Dawes as Monsieur Firmin.

Continuing in the show will be Kelly Mathieson as Christine Daaé, Jeremy Taylor as Raoul, Amy Manford as the alternate Christine, Mark Oxtoby as Monsieur Andre, Jacinta Mulcahy as Madame Giry, Paul Ettore Tabone as Ubaldo Piangi, Georgia Ware as Meg Giry and Scott Davies as the standby Phantom.

Tim Howar joins Phantom following his critically acclaimed performance as Freddie Trumper in “Chess” at the London Coliseum earlier this year. Since 2010 his theatre roles have included lead vocalist with the platinum selling Mike and the Mechanics, touring with them worldwide. His West End theatre credits include Stacee Jaxx in “Rock of Ages”, Stu in “Tonight’s The Night”  and Ozzie in “On The Town” as well as playing Roger’ in “Rent” on Broadway.

Cameron Mackintosh said today “Tim Howar’s exciting vocal take on the iconic score of the Phantom brings a contemporary fresh approach to this legendary role which blew us away at his audition.”

Kimberly Blake can currently be seen as ‘Giulietta’ in “Aspects of Love” at the Hope Mill Theatre. Her West End credits include “Half A Sixpence” at the Noël Coward Theatre and most recently “Chess” at the London Coliseum. Her other credits include the role of ‘Jenny Lind’ in the national tour of “Barnum”.

Ross Dawes recently appeared in “The Rink” at the Southwark Playhouse. His many West End credits include “Girl from the North Country” at the Noël Coward Theatre, the original cast of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where he also appeared in “Shrek the Musical”, “Passion” at the Donmar Warehouse, “Spamalot” at the Palace Theatre, “Starlight Express” at the Apollo Victoria and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “Saturday Night Fever”, both at the London Palladium.

The cast is completed by Matthew Barrow, Matt Bateman, James Bisp, James Butcher, Bridget Costello, Sophie Cottrill, Hadrian Delacey, Morven Douglas, Paul Erbs, Hannah Grace, Philip Griffiths, Katy Hanna, Hettie Hobbs, Grace Horne, Lily Howes, Ellen Jackson, Adam Robert Lewis,  Kris Manuel, Tim Morgan, Danielle Pullum, Rebecca Ridout, Anna Shircliff, Emily Smith, Rachel Spurrell, John Stacey, Andrei Teodor Iliescu, Claire Tilling, Victoria Ward and Danny Whitehead.

Tickets on sale today for cinema screening of Sheridan Smith's Funny Girl

The musical Funny Girl starring Sheridan Smith as Fanny Brice is to be screened in cinemas nationwide on 24th October.

Michael Mayer's production of the classic musical  originally ran at the Menier Chocolate Factory in December 2015, and following a sold out run transferred to the Savoy Theatre in April 2016 and embarked on a UK tour in 2017. The production was recorded during the final week of the run at Manchester Palace Theatre by Digital Theatre with tickets going on sale from 10:00 am today.

Also starring in the recorded version is Darius Campbell as Nick Arnstein, Nigel Barber (Florenz Ziegfeld), Zoë Ann Bown (Mrs Meeker), Martin Callaghan (Mr Keeney), Jennifer Harding (Emma), Rachel Izen (Mrs Brice), Joshua Lay (Eddie) and Myra Sands (Mrs Strakosh); with Rhianne Alleyne, Kit Benjamin, Lloyd Davies, Flora Dawson, Joseph Dockree, Abigayle Honeywill, Brontë Lavine, David Mcintosh, Peter Nash, Gillian Parkhouse, Tom Partridge, Nova Skipp, Alexandra Waite-Roberts, Sam Wingfield and Alexandra Wright.

Smith said of the release: "Fanny Brice was an extraordinary woman who broke the mould for female entertainment, not only that, she was a brilliant comic! Her lack of vanity and her goofiness made her unique and very special, and the role was an utter joy to play. I'm beyond excited to be able to share our production of Funny Girl with audiences across the UK."