Michael Ball Presents: An Evening with Don Black

BBC Radio 2 is marking the 80th birthday of the multi-award winning lyricist and Radio 2 presenter Don Black, with a special show at the BBC Radio Theatre at 6:00 pm on Tuesday 23rd October.

Michael Ball Presents: An Evening With Don Black sees Don  in conversation with Michael, sharing his thoughts on his life and career. With personal anecdotes and recollections from Don’s remarkable time in show-business, choosing the songs he’s written that mean so much so him. Plus some surprise guests drop in along the way to help celebrate Don’s incredible work.

In a career that’s spanned over 50 years, Don’s won an Oscar, two Tony Awards, five Ivor Novellos and a Golden Globe. He’s written over 100 songs for film including The Italian Job, The Pink Panther Strikes Again, Dances With Wolves and a quintet of James Bond theme songs – Thunderball, Diamonds Are Forever, The Man With The Golden Gun, Surrender (from Tomorrow Never Dies) and The World is Not Enough. Don has worked with some of the world’s leading composers: Jule Styne, Henry Mancini, John Barry and Charles Aznavour as well as his collaboration  with Andrew Lloyd Webber on the musicals Song and Dance, Aspects of Love and Sunset Boulevard.

In fact, it was Aznavour who gave Don Black his mantra for life: "A man will never grow old if he knows what he’s doing tomorrow and enjoys it."

You can apply for a maximum of two tickets and can register for tickets which will be distributed by random draw.at any time until 4pm on Tuesday 2 October.

Info on Mamma Mia! The Party

MAMMA MIA! THE PARTY is a new immersive theatrical and dining experience is playing  in a specially-adapted venue within London's The O2. It is currently booking to Sunday 28th March 2021. New tickets go on sale from 9.00am Friday 7th  February 2020.

It is set in a taverna on the island of Skopelos, where most exteriors of the first MAMMA MIA! film were shot.
Work has begun on transforming one of the venues within The O2, where guests will feel as if they're right in the heart of a Greek island paradise, sitting around tables in the taverna's courtyard complete with a fountain, olive trees and bougainvillea.

Nikos and his wife Kate run this exotic and wonderful restaurant together with their family and friends. Told through dialogue and ABBA songs, a warm, romantic and funny story evolves and unfolds during the evening and takes place around the guests as they sit at their tables enjoying a delicious Greek meal. The evening ends with the main floor transforming into a 1970s disco, where audience members are welcome to stay and sing and dance to ABBA.

The new immersive theatrical and dining experience will star Fed Zanni as Nikos, Steph Parry as Kate, Joanna Monro as Debbie, AJ Bentley as Adam, Julia Imbach as Kostantina, Elin König Andersson as Bella, Kimberly Powell as Nina, Pauline Stringer as Grandma, Gregor Stewart as Fernando, with Linda John-Pierre playing Debbie at certain performances and Allie Ho Chee playing Bella at certain performances.Also in the cast are Molly Cleere, Jessica Spalis, Dawn Spence and Matthew Wesley. The musicians will be John Donovan, Luke Higgins, Kathryn Tindall, Steve Rushton and Mark Pusey.

It has music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (some songs with Stig Anderson), and a story by Calle Norlén, Roine Söderlundh and Björn Ulvaeus, adapted for the UK by writer, comedian and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig.

,Executive Producer Björn Ulvaeus is delighted Sandi Toksvig has agreed to adapt the story for London: "She has to be the funniest and brightest individual I've ever had the pleasure of working with!"

In return, Sandi said of her involvement, "This has been a dream job - writing this adaptation mainly because I want to go to it myself and I got to hang out with the legend that is Björn."

Buy tickets for Mamma Mia! The Party

Latest on Rocket Man Elton John Biopic

Filming is now well under way for the Elton John biopic Rocket Man is and courtesy of the Mail's Baz this is the first glimpse of star Taron Egerton in full Elton mode on the set of the film. 

Directed by Dexter Fletcher, Rocket Man  charts Elton's days at the Royal Academy of Music through his heyday in the rock 'n' roll scene of the 70s and '80s covering   his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction in the '90s right up to to his current international superstardom.  The film also has Bodyguard and Game Of Thrones star Richard Madden playing John Reid, the singer’s former lover and manager: Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin, who wrote a catalogue of hits with John with  Bryce Dallas Howard and Steven Mackintosh as his parents.

Egerton who does his own singin in he role, is best known for his roles in the British television series The Smoke and the 2014 action comedy film Kingsman: The Secret Service (where he met Elton who was making a cameo appearance),  He has also played Edward Brittain in the 2014 drama film Testament of Youth, appeared in the 2015 crime thriller film Legend, starred as Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards in the 2016 biographical film Eddie the Eagle, voiced Johnny in the 2016 animated musical film Sing, and reprised his role in the 2017 sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle. His upcoming films include Billionaire Boys Club and Robin Hood.

Cast changes for Hamilton West End

In today's Mail Baz Bamigboye has announced some cast changes to the production of Hamilton at London's Victoria Palace Theatre in early December.

Jon Robyns will  take over the role of King George from the Olivier Award-winning  Michael Jibson. With Ally Ava Brown  joining the cast as Angelica Schuyler with  Courtney Mae-Briggs playing the dual role of Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds and  Dom Hartley-Harris as George Washington.

Olivier award winning Giles Terera is also leaving the show to be replaced by by Sifiso Mazibuko playing Aaron Burr. 

They  will join current cast members Tarinn Callender, Jamael  Westman (who is due to take a break between December 17th and January 12th , when Ash Hunter will take over) and Rachelle Ann Go, who will continue to play Alexander and Eliza Hamilton with  Jason Pennycooke and Cleve September

ITV The Big Audition series going behind the scenes of casting world

The Big Audition is a  new factual  six part series which goes behind the scenes of the casting world. Episode 1 airs on ITV at 9:00 pm on Friday 5th October.

It shows  real people being cast for real jobs, which have the potential to be life-changing. The casting panels will be searching to fill all sorts of roles and anyone can audition, from professionals to first-timers. This fixed rig programme  uncovers the decision-making process of the panels  to reveal what really goes on in the casting studio.

Through intimate interviews, there are heart-warming, funny and touching backstories with  highs and lows along the way, but who will have what it takes to land the job of their dreams?

Each week three jobs are up for grabs. From West End leads to stunt doubles celebrating the highs and lows as  people give their all to impress the panel and land their dream job.

The Big Audition Studios opens its doors for the very first time with three very different jobs on offer: dog model, TV shopping presenter and King Henry VIII. The waiting room is filled with barking, as a pack of pooches compete for a contract worth £12,000 and the chance to be the cover star of leading dog magazines Dogs Today and Dogs Monthly. The wannabe dog models include a Chihuahua with a wardrobe to die for, a Mexican hairless often mistaken for a hyena, a rescue dog with one eye and a sausage dog who can balance a jaw-dropping array of objects on his head.

TV shopping channel ‘Ideal World’ are looking for a new fitness presenter. A panel from the company are searching for someone engaging, unflappable and skilled at selling. Olympic bobsledder Toby, nervous Liverpudlian Holly and Wigan window cleaner Barry are amongst the hopefuls out to prove they’ve got what it takes.

The final king-sized casting is for the prestigious role of playing Henry VIII at Hampton Court. Several of the potential Henrys arrive in full royal regalia, from the bling to the tights. But who will be crowned King? Will it be historical novelist Tony? Or perhaps bus driver James, who believes he’s destined to succeed because his route takes him past Hampton Court every day?

Full casting for Caroline or Change starring Sharon D Clarke

Full casting has been announced for Caroline, or Change musical written by Tony Kushner, author of Angels in America, with a  score from Tony Award-winning Jeanine Tesori, which will run at London's  Playhouse Theatre from 20 November 2018 to 9 February 2019.

As previously announced, the cast will be led by Olivier Award-winning actress Sharon D. Clarke in a critically acclaimed performance as Caroline Thibodeaux. She will be joined by Naana Agyei-Ampadu, Keisha Amponsa Banson, Alastair Brookshaw, Me'sha Bryan, Angela Caesar, Dujonna Gift-Simms, Sue Kelvin, Teddy Kempner, Ako Mitchell, Abiona Omonua, Vincent Pirillo, Tanisha Spring and Lauren Ward with Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong, Zalika Henry, Laura Medforth, Timothy Quinlan and Teddy Wills.

Nine young performers have been cast in the roles of Noah, Jackie and Joe. Isaac Forward, Aaron Gelkoff and Jack Meredith will alternate the role of Noah, Mark Mwangi, Kenya Sandy and Jeremiah Waysome will alternate the role of Jackie and the role of Joe will be alternated by Josiah Choto, David Dube and Raphael Higgins-Hume.

Laura Tyrer to play Velma in Chicago the Musical

Laura Tyrer will join the West End cast of CHICAGO the musical at the Phoenix Theatre, playing the role of Velma Kelly from Monday 24th September. This was the role which Denise Van Outen was due to take over, but had to postpone due to injury. She  joins Alexandra Burke as Roxie Hart, Duncan James as Billy Flynn, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton and Paul Rider as Amos Hart. 

Laura Tyrer secured the role of Velma via an audition to be shown as part of the brand new 6 part ITV series The Big Audition, from the makers of First Dates, which begins on Friday 5th October. The series delves into the world of real life, genuine auditions.

Laura’s previous West End credits include Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, From Here to Eternity, Cabaret, Spamalot and most recently Ruthless! Her touring credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie, White Christmas and Beauty and the Beast.

 CHICAGO is booking  until Saturday 5th January 2019.

Michelle Visage to join cast of Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Everybody's Talking About Jamie, the award-winning feel good musical sensation, has announced that internationally renowned personality, Michelle Visage, will be making her West End musical debut playing the role of Miss Hedge from Thursday 18 October 2018 to Saturday 26 January 2019.

Michelle Visage is joining  the West End production of Everybody's Talking About Jamie taking on the role of Miss Hedge (currently being played by Tamsin Carroll) from Thursday 18th October to Saturday 26th January.

The recording artist, actress, author, television personality, podcast co-host and radio show host, best known for being a judge on hit Emmy-winning show RuPaul's Drag Race, will make her West End stage debut in the show, which currently runs at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Producer Nica Burns said: "We are all absolutely delighted to welcome Michelle Visage to the cast of Everybody's Talking About Jamie as our new Miss Hedge. Michelle blew us away with her fantastic singing voice, her excellent characterisation of the part and her charismatic stage presence."

Visage said: "I am BEYOND thrilled to be making my West End debut in Everybody's Talking About Jamie! The reason I chose this show in particular is because of the very important message it tells. It is a great show with great music and talent but more importantly it's about love, truth and the tenacity of the human spirit! Also there is a HUGE bonus: I get to live in London, one of my favourite cities in the world! I can't wait to help audiences to fall in love with the show the way I did when I saw Everybody's Talking About Jamie for the first time and understand why everyone REALLY IS talking about Jamie!"

Michelle is an internationally renowned, platinum selling recording artist, actress, author, television personality, podcast co-host, radio show host, who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, across multiple mediums for the past three decades. Michelle is best known in the UK for being a judge on Ireland's Got Talent and America's hit TV show RuPaul's Drag Race, which recently won Outstanding Reality-Competition Program at this year's Primetime Emmy Awards. Michelle hosts a podcast with RuPaul named RuPaul: What's the Tee with Michelle Visage which won the award for Best Host at this year's 22nd annual Webby Awards. Michelle was a finalist on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015.

She joins the current cast, featuring John McCrea (Jamie), Rebecca McKinnis (Margaret), Shobna Gulati (Ray), Lucie Shorthouse (Pritti Pasha), Lee Ross (Hugo/Loco Chanel), Alex Anstey (Laika Virgin), Luke Baker (Dean Paxton), Luke Bayer, Courtney Bowman (Fatimah), Marvyn Charles, Ken Christiansen (Jamie's Dad), Jordan Cunningham (Sayid), Daniel Davids (Levi), James Gillan (Tray Sophisticay), Ryan Hughes (Mickey), Daniel Jacob (Sandra Bollock), Cherelle Jay, Jordan Laviniere (Cy), Harriet Payne (Bex), Chloe Pole, Shiv Rabheru, Lauran Rae (Becca) and Kirstie Skivington (Vicki).

West End star cast including David Thaxton, Savannah Stevenson and Celinde Schoenmaker in LMTO Camelot concert

Casting has been announced for London Musical Theatre Orchestra's production of Camelot, which runs at the London Palladium at 19:30 on 6th October. The role of Arthur will be played by Olivier Award-winner David Thaxton (Passion, Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar), Guinevere will be played by Savannah Stevenson (Wicked, Aspects of Love, Follies), and Lancelot will be played by internationally renowned opera star Charles Rice (Mozart’s Requiem, The Barber of Seville, Candide).

Sam Swann (Jekyll & Hyde) will play Mordred, Clive Carter (Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again) will play both roles of Pellinore and Merlyn, Nimue will be played by Celinde Schoenmaker (Barnum, The Phantom of the Opera), Matthew McKenna (Sunset Boulevard, Starlight Express) will play Sir Dinadan, Sir Lionel will be played by Emmanuel Kojo (Girl From the North Country, Show Boat), Sir Sagramore will be played by Oliver Savile (Wicked, LMTO’s State Fair) and Raphael Higgins-Humes (Lion King, Matilda The Musical) will play Tom of Warwick.

The piece will be conducted by Freddie Tapner, and features the The LMTO Chorus : Jake Byrom, Elissa Churchill, Charlotte Clitherow, Ed Court, Emma Fraser, Lee van Geelen, Erin Hair, Daniel Hall, Adam Hepworth, Matthew McDonald, Emma Oliver, Cameron Potts, Lydia Shaw, Rosie Williamson, Lizzie Wofford and Thomas Wright.

The show marks the first time the musical has been seen in the West End in over 30 years. Based on TH White's The Once and Future King, includes numbers such as "If Ever I Would Leave You", "How To Handle A Woman", "The Lusty Month of May" and "Camelot".

Tickets for Camelot

Jodie Prenger To Star In UK Tour Of Mike Leigh's ABIGAIL'S PARTY

Jodie Prenger is to lead the cast in Abigail's Party, Mike Leigh's  comedy classic which begins next year  in Brighton on 10th January  and tours until  April  visiting  Birmingham, York, Glasgow, Stoke, Woking, Aylesbury, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Beverly and her husband Laurence are throwing a party for their newlywed neighbours, Tony and Angela. Joining them is highly strung Susan who's been banished from the party of her teenage daughter Abigail. Welcome to 1970's suburbia and its heady mix of free-flowing cocktails, classic disco and cheese and pineapple sticks. As tensions rise and tempers flare the sheen of respectability is torn away by the warring couples with hilarious and potentially disastrous consequences.

Mike Leigh's iconic Abigail's Party is one of Britain's most celebrated comedies and was described by The Guardian as 'One of the greatest plays about the human condition ever written.'

Jodie Prenger said: 'Abigail's Party is a true British classic and a real bucket list part for me. I'm thrilled to be involved in something so wonderful. Can't wait to get started.'

Buy tickets for Abigail's Party 

Casting announced for tour of Les Miserables

Casting has just been announced Cameron Mackintosh’s forthcoming UK and Ireland tour of  the Boublil and Schönberg musical “LES MISÉRABLES” which is already set to break records ahead of opening at Curve  Leicester on Saturday 3 November 2018.

With rehearsals beginning yesterday, joining the previously announced Killian Donnelly as ‘Jean Valjean’ will be Nic Greenshields as ‘Javert’, Katie Hall as ‘Fantine’, Martin Ball as ‘Thénardier’, Sophie-Louise Dann as ‘Madame Thénardier’, Harry Apps as ‘Marius’, Tegan Bannister as ‘Eponine’, Will Richardson as ‘Enjolras’ and Bronwen Hanson as ‘Cosette’.

 Completing the cast will be Joseph Anthony, Helen Aylott, Jamie Birkett, Keoni Blockx, Michael Burgen, Nicholas Carter, Mary-Jean Caldwell, Danny Colligan, Nicholas Corre, Megan Gardiner, Zac Hamilton, Jessie Hart, Teleri Hughes, Brian James Leys, Ruby Lyon, Leo Miles, Shane O’Riordan, Lee Ormsby, Jordan Simon Pollard, Corrine Priest, Aaron Pryce-Lewis, Janne Snellen, Ruben Van keer and Emma Warren.

Killian Donnelly recently played the role of ‘Jean Valjean’ in the West End production of “Les Misérables”. Prior to his run in “Les Misérables”, he played the role of ‘Charlie Price’ in “Kinky Boots” on Broadway, a role he originated at the Adelphi Theatre in the West End in 2015, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award. His other theatre credits include ‘Huey’ in the original London cast of “Memphis” at the Shaftesbury Theatre for which he was also nominated for an Olivier Award.  He created the role of ‘Deco’ in “The Commitments” at the Palace Theatre and has also played ‘Tony’ in “Billy Elliot” at the Victoria Palace Theatre as well as ‘Raoul’ in “The Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty's Theatre. He first joined the company of “Les Misérables” in 2008, going on to play the role of ‘Enjolras’ from 2009 to 2011. In 2010, he played the role of ‘Courfeyrac’ in the “25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables” at The O2 Arena and also played the role of ‘Combeferre’ in the multi-award-winning film of the show, released in 2012.

Nic Greenshields most recently appeared in “Young Frankenstein” at the Garrick Theatre. His many other West End credits include “Les Misérables” at both the Queen’s and Palace Theatres, “The Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty’s Theatre, “Billy Elliot” at the Victoria Palace Theatre and “Miss Saigon” at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Katie Hall’s numerous credits include playing ‘Cosette’ in this production of “Les Misérables” in 2009. She has also played the role at the Queen’s Theatre and in the “25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables” at The O2 Arena. Her other credits include ‘Christine’ in “The Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End and on tour, ‘Johanna’ in “Sweeney Todd” at the London Coliseum and ‘Maria’ in the national tour of “West Side Story”.

Martin Ball has previously appeared as ‘Thénardier’ in “Les Misérables” at the Queen’s Theatre. His other West End credits include ‘Monsieur André’ in “The Phantom of the Opera”, ‘Harry’ in “Mamma Mia!” and the original cast of “Wicked”. He appeared as ‘Mr Banks’ in the first national tour of “Mary Poppins”. His other credits include “Top Hat” in both the West End and on tour.


Sophie-Louise Dann’s many West End credits include ’Celia’ in “The Girls” at the Phoenix Theatre (Olivier Award nomination), ‘Barbara Castle’ in “Made in Dagenham” at the Adelphi Theatre, “Jolson” at the Victoria Palace Theatre and ‘Diana Divane’ in “Lend Me a Tenor” at the Gielgud Theatre, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award.

Harry Apps makes his professional debut as ‘Marius’ having successfully auditioned at the recent open auditions for the show.

Tegan Bannister’s West End credits include ‘Young Nala’ in “The Lion King” at the Lyceum Theatre and “Les Misérables” at the Queen’s Theatre.

Will Richardson has appeared as ‘Rum Tum Tugger’ in “Cats” and ‘Rolf’ in “The Sound of Music”, both on international tour.

Bronwen Hanson has appeared in “Broken Wings” at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Whilst training her credits include ‘Sally Bowles’ in “Cabaret”.

London cast announced for Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Live

The cast has been announced for the first London production of Magic Mike Live, which opens at London's Hippodrome Casino on 28th  November 2018. 

Conceived and co-directed by Channing Tatum (who starred in the two films the show's based on), the piece will star Samantha Baines, Jake Brewer, Harry Carter, Pip Hearse, Sophie Linder-Lee, Jack Manley, David Morgan, Ross Sands, Dean Stewart, Manny Tsakanika, Aaron Witter, Daniel Ralph, Antonio Donadio, Sebastián Melo Taveira, Maxwell Trengove and Brian Siregar.

The production will also release 10,000 additional tickets for performances across its run, including 20 new performances in January. The show will run at 90 minute and guests must be over 18 – photo ID is required for entry.

Kerry Ellis, Tim Howar and Kimberley Walsh in A Christmas Spectacular at London Palladium & Drury Lane

Kerry Ellis and Timothy Howar (currently playing the Phantom) are to star in a Christmas Spectacular at the London Palladium on 17th December 2018 at 7:30 pm and at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 16th - 2rd3 December

With special guest Kimberley Walsh plus Strictly Come Dancing pros Anton du Beke and Erin Boag, the seasonal show offers the ultimate Christmas party with music, dance, lights, spectacle and a snow-filled finale high kicks, festive fun and special effects plus all the trimmings in the company of a full show band, West End vocalists and the  all-star Jingle Belle Dancers.

You can  sing-along to seasonal songs including Merry Christmas Everyone, Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bell Rock, Santa Claus is Coming To Town, I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, Sleigh Ride, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Merry Christmas Everybody and many more… with the Capital Voices choir accompanied by the London Concert Orchestra conducted by John Rigby.  

Buy tickets for A Christmas Spectacular  

   

Tour of Fame the Musical to transfer into West End

Fame the Musical is currently on an extensive UK tour celebrating 30 years since the original Miami production. It has just announced a West End transfer at the end of the tour to the Peacock Theatre in London from 11 September - 19 October 2019. Pre-sale begins 24 September with tickets on  |general sale from 1 October

With a star cast including Mica Paris, Keith Jack and Jorgie Porter,  Fame the Musical is presented by Selladoor Productions who have recently toured with of Footloose, Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors and Flashdance - The Musical, with Gavin Kalin Productions, Dan Looney & Adam Paulden, Stephen McGill Productions and Jason Haigh-Ellery in association with BrightLights Productions and Big Dreamer Productions. Fame is Directed and Choregraphed by Nick Winston with Design by Morgan Large and Sound Design by Ben Harrison. Mark Crossland is Musical Supervisor.

Sheridan Smith to release new album A Northern Soul

Sheridan Smith has today announced the release of her second album called ‘A Northern Soul’ on 2nd November.  It  is being previewed today with the release of the lead single ‘Priceless’
 

Sheridan’s debut album "Sheridan" became one of the ten best-selling debut albums of 2017, and was the year’s second biggest debut from a British female artist after Dua Lipa. It shot into the charts at #9 and enjoyed a seven-week run in the Top 20: subsequently reaching Gold status with over 140,000 sales.
 

Sheridan Smith is also the subject of a brand new ITV documentary which will be televised on November 4th.

The tracklisting for ‘A Northern Soul’ is:

‘A Northern Soul’
‘Handle With Care’
‘Priceless’
‘Are You Just Sleeping?
‘Remedy in the Melody’
‘Rock Bottom’
‘Why Can’t I Fall In Love’
‘Ain’t That Funny’
‘Sweetest of Thieves’
‘Listen to the Rain’
‘The One’
‘Don’t Beg For Love’

Peter Andre to play Teen Angel in new tour of Grease the Musical

Peter Andre is to  star as Teen Angel on certain dates in Leicester Curve's production of Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey's new touring production of the musical Grease which will be directed by the  Curve's Nikolai Foster and choreographed by  Arlene Phillips.

The Teen Angel character appears at the dance at Rydell High School when he performs his big number  Beauty School Dropout in a tour that starts next year at the Leeds Grand Theatre on June 19th 

After is opening at  Leeds Grand Theatre the musical  heads out on a tour to Southend, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leicester, Dublin, Oxford, currently ending in Bromley in October 2019. More casting news  to follow.

Danny Dyer and Jo Brand to guest star in the London production of UK tour of Nativity!

Danny Dyer and Jo Brand are making guest appearances in  the UK tour of Nativity! The Musical for its London run at the Eventim Apollo over the Christmas period this year.

Actor Dyer (currently best known for his role as Mick Carter in BBC's Eastenders) will play the Hollywood Producer in the show, while comedian, writer and actress Brand will play The Critic (played by Alan Carr in the film) in London and at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh.

Louis Walsh played the role of Hollywood Producer in the London production last year.

Mary Poppins starring Zizi Strallen and Charlie Stemp heading to London next Autumn

At last the news we have all been hoping for has been broken by Baz Bamigboye in today's Mail with  Cameron Mackintosh & Disney's  Mary Poppins heading to the  West End's Prince Edward Theatre (where  it originally opened in 2004) in Autumn 2019 after Disney's Aladdin  reportedly ends its run there on 31st August.

And it comes with perfect casting with  Zizi Strallen (currently starring in Strictly Ballroom) again playing  the iconic role of Mary Poppins which she played so well in the UK tour of the musical which ended in January 2017.

Charlie Stemp has been cast as Bert - which is a role I have always thought  he is perfect for -  following his award winning peformance as Arthur Kipps in Half A Sixpence in  Chichester and London and most recently wowing New York audiences playing opposite Bette Middler and Bernadette Peters in Hello Dolly! on Broadway as lovestruck Barnaby Tucker.

Cameron Mackintosh told Baz: ‘We’ll rebuild the show around both of them,’ with a creative team, including writer Julian Fellowes and songwriters George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (who wrote some new numbers), along with designer Bob Crowley, redesigned and re-staged the production when it toured the UK and globally.  And  more good news is that the West End production will be directed by film, theatre, television and opera director Sir Richard Eyre and choreographed by New Adventures Sir Matthew Bourne (who both worked on the 2004 show) with the excellent Stephen Mear as co-choreographer. 

MARY POPPINS is one of the biggest stage musical successes to emerge from London or New York in recent years. Worldwide, the six productions of the show have grossed over $521 million, welcomed over 7 million guests and cumulatively run for over 12 years. The musical is the winner of 36 major theatre awards around the globe, including Tony, Olivier and Evening Standard awards.
It received its worldwide premiere in London at the Prince Edward Theatre  in December 2004 where it enjoyed a successful three year run followed by an extensive  acclaimed UK tour.

The much anticipated movie  Mary Poppins Returns starring Emily Blunt and Lin Manuel Miranda is due for release in the States on 19th December 2018/21st December in the UK. It  takes place in Depression-era London and follows a now-grown up Jane and Michael Banks, who are visited by  Mary Poppins following a personal loss. Through her unique magical skills, and with the aid of her friend Jack (a lamplighter and former-apprentice of Bert played by Miranda) she  helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.

Cameron Mackintosh said: I'm thrilled to be bringing the internationally acclaimed new staging of Pamela Travers' magical stories back to London in the autumn of 2019, with Disney, featuring the dazzling talents of Zizi Strallen and Charlie Stemp as Mary and Bert. The original production, over 14 years ago, only played London and Broadway and subsequently was revised and continues to be staged around the world with phenomenal success. The recent UK tour, starring Zizi as Mary, broke box office records everywhere it played. It has been particularly gratifying that the stage musical with its brilliant script by Julian Fellowes and wonderful new score by Stiles and Drewe, complementing the Sherman Brothers' classic songs, has taken on its own magical life separate from the film, appealing to audiences of all ages and nationalities

 Tickets for Mary Poppins the Musical are set to go on sale January 2019.

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Just Announced - Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 Musical to open at Savoy in January starring Brian Conley & Louise Redknapp

Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: The Musical last toured the UK in 2012/13 wiith Selladoor productions just announcing they are producing it at the Savoy Theatre in London's West End in January 2019.  

It is based on the 1980 movie of the same name starring Dolly, with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. It has music and lyrics by Dolly ranging from rockabilly to rhythm and blues, and features a book by Patricia Resnick, based on the screenplay by Resnick and Colin Higgins. The musical premiered in Los Angeles in September 2008, and opened on Broadway in April 2009. It received 15 Drama Desk Award nominations. 

Directed by Jeff Calhoun, 9 to 5 The Musical is a story of friendship, gossip and revenge of three office workers who turn the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, bigot of a boss. They conspire to take control of the company and learn there's nothing they can't do - even in a man's world.

Casting news so far includes Louise Redknapp as Violet Newstead, Love Island’s Amber Davies is Judy Bernly and Natalie McQueen is Doralee Rhodes - the part played by Dolly Parton in the picturea- with Brian Conley as the boss Franklyn J Hart.

Louise Redknapp most recently starred as ‘Sally Bowles’ in the national tour of “Cabaret”. In 2016 she reached the final of “Strictly Come Dancing”. As a musician Louise has sold millions of records. She was a member of the band Eternal before embarking on a highly successful solo career, with her first live shows in 15 years selling out all over the UK.  Amber Davies graduated in 2016 with a Diploma in Musical Theatre from the Urdang Academy. Her credits whilst training include “Bring It On”, “My Favourite Year” and “Memphis”. Last year, Amber was the winner of the hit ITV reality series “Love Island”. Natalie McQueen is currently appearing in the West End as ‘Lauren’ in “Kinky Boots” at the Adelphi Theatre. Her other credits include “Murder Ballad” at the Arts Theatre, “Wicked” at the Apollo Victoria and “Les Misérables” at the Palace Theatre. Natalie has also appeared in the UK and Ireland tour of “Wonderland”. Brian Conley’s many West End credits include ‘Edna Turnblad’ in “Hairspray” at the Shaftesbury Theatre, ‘Caractacus Potts’ in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the London Palladium, the title role in “Jolson” at the Victoria Palace and ‘Bill’ in “Me and My Girl” at the Adelphi Theatre. His touring credits include the title role in “Barnum” and ‘Fagin’ in “Oliver!”. Brian’s TV credits include “An Audience with Brian Conley”, “The Grimleys” and “The Brian Conley Show”, all for ITV.

Buy tickets for 9 to 5  which is currently running from January 28th to August 31st 2019

Strictly's Kevin Clifton and Blue's Antony Costa to join the UK tour of Rock of Ages

Kevin Clifton from Strictly Come Dancing and Antony Costa from  Blue are to join the UK tour of Rock of Ages in 2019 alternating  the role of Stacee Jaxx from 22nd  January until 27th July.

Kevin Clifton is an international Ballroom and Latin dancer and has won numerous titles across the world, including winning the Britain Latin Championships four times. He is best known as a Pro Dancer on BBC one’s, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and is the only pro dancer to ever dance in four consecutive finals. Kevin made his musical theatre debut in ‘Dirty Dancing the Musical’ at the Aldwych Theatre in London’s West End. Kevin then went on to become a principal dancer in Burn The Floor Dance Company and performed in the show’s record breaking Broadway run, in London’s West End and across the world. Kevin has also toured nationwide with Karen Clifton in 2017 and 2018 in their theatre show, ‘Kevin and Karen Dance’. Clifton will play the role of Jaxx from 22 January until 6 April 2019 and from 11 June until 27 July 2019.

 Antony Costa is best known as a member of the hugely successful boyband ‘Blue’ who have had three number one albums. Antony’s previous theatre credits include the role of ‘Mickey Johnson’ in the West End production of ‘Blood Brothers’ and the UK tour of ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’. Most recently he played the role of ‘Roger Meadows’ in the UK tour of ‘A Judgement in Stone’.  Costa will join the production for eight weeks from 8 April until 1 June 2019

Sam Ferriday is  playing  the role until 9th  December.

Denise Van Outen opening in Chicago delayed due to injury

Denise Van Outen has been forced to withdraw from Chicago the Musical rehearsals due to injury, with a statement by the show saying : “On the day that Denise Van Outen was due to start rehearsals as ‘Velma Kelly’ it was discovered that she had suffered a stress fracture in her heel. Denise will therefore no longer be playing the role from 24 September – 17 November 2018 and her replacement will be announced shortly. 

Denise posted on Twitter: Due to injury my west end run as Velma in @ChicagoOnStage has been put back a few weeks. New dates announced soon. Apologies everyone, I did it training for the role. Typical! I will be back fighting fit soon

New dates for Denise to return to the show will be announced soon.

Nathan Amzi joins Heathers the Musical

Nathan Amzi has joined the cast of Heathers the Musical playing Big Bud Dean and Coach Ripper. He has taken over the role from Hugh Maynard who has left the production.

Amzi took on  the parts only days from opening night, stepping in to perform the parts in super quick time. He said: "I have loved jumping in becoming a part of this incredibly talented company! They are a true theatre family from the producers, creatives, cast, through every department.It's been the fastest rehearsal I've ever had to performance, which was only possible with this extraordinary team. When I saw the show as an audience member it blew me away, it's high-octane fun, full of heart backed by a stellar company. So to join their family is a joy."

Amzi's previous credits include One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at Sheffield Crucible, Prom Queen at the Other Palace and Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Amzi joins a cast which includes Carrie Hope Fletcher, T'Shan Williams, Sophie Isaacs, Jodie Steele, Jamie Muscato and Hugh Maynard. The piece is based on the cult 1988 teen film which starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater and has been adapted by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy. 

The show originally opened in London at the Other Palace in June 2018 and is now running at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited season until 24th November.

Songs for Nobodies to transfer to Ambassadors Theatre

Joanna Murray-Smith's play Songs for Nobodies,    which originally had its European premiere at Wilton's Music Hall in March 2018 is to transfer to the West End running at the Ambassadors Theatre for 7 weeks from 9th January-23rd February 2019:

(opening night 10th January, previews from 7th January).

Featuring songs from five iconic singers,the piece is a one-woman show performed by Bernadette Robinson and was written specifically to showcase the talents of the actress. The Australian performer is on stage for 90 minutes accompanied by live musicians, when her miraculous voice shifts from the smoky blues of Billie Holiday to the thrilling soprano of Maria Callas, via Garland, Cline and Piaf. With consummate ease, she breathes new life into the five legendary performers and the five ordinary women whose lives were changed by their brush with fame.

Directed by Simon Philips the show tells  intimate tales of each artists brief encounters, Robinson seamlessly brings to life each 'nobody' whilst with phenomenal control of tone, accent and vocal style, she thrillingly inhabits each legendary and iconic singer  in 'a performance masterclass' that has received rave reviews across multiple sell out seasons internationally.

Murray-Smith's other plays include Honour at the Park Theatre and Switzerland at Theatre Royal Bath. In our four star review of the show, WhatsOnStage's Alun Hood called Robinson's performance 'Spellbinding', adding "Murray-Smith's writing is punchy and sweet, and the stories, fanciful as they are, have real charm and satisfying emotional depth."

Robinson's previous credits include Pennsylvania Avenue and she was nominated for a Helpmann Award (Australia's equivalent of the Oliviers) for Best Female Actor in a Play.

Tickets for songs For Nobodies

Lea Salonga 2019 Tour dates announced

Lea Salonga, known for her perfect pitch and creating the Tony Award winning role of Kim in Miss Saigon and critically acclaimed Eponine in Les Misérables, has announced her first ever solo UK tour next February and March visiting  Manchester, London, Birmingham and Cardiff .

She  last appeared on the West End at the Prince Edward Theatre for the sold-out Miss Saigon 25th Anniversary. Salonga provided  singing voices for Disney's Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. She has sold a staggering 19 million albums worldwide making her one of the best-selling Filipinais artists of all time and is also a judge on the Philippines hit version of "The Voice,"   

Tickets are now on general sale   for the following tour dates

• Manchester Bridgewater Hall - 26 February
•  London Palladium - 27 February
•  Birmingham Symphony Hall - 1st March
• Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre - 4th March

Casting announced for new UK tour of Nativity! The Musical

The producers of the tour of NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL,  have announced the return of Simon Lipkin as the hilarious ‘Mr Poppy’ after delighting critics and audiences in the show last year. He will play the role for the entire run opening at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry on 23rd October and finishing at the Eventim Apollo in London on 31st December.

Adam Thomas will  play the role of ‘Hollywood Producer’ from 31 October – 4 November in Liverpool and from 5 - 8 December in Stoke/ Charlie Brooks will play the role in Nottingham from 21-25 November/Jake Wood  in Oxford from 11 – 15 December.Star casting for London and Scotland to be announced on Friday 14 September.

Scott Garnham will play ‘Mr Maddens’ and Ashleigh Gray will play ‘Jennifer Lore’. Joining them will be Andy Barke, Andy Brady, Jamie Chapman, Jemma Churchill, Gary Davis, Kade Ferraiolo, Ashleigh Graham, Helena Pipe and Oscar Conlon-Morrey

Simon Lipkin played ‘Nicky’ and ‘Trekkie Monster’ in the original London cast of “Avenue Q” at the Noël Coward Theatre. His other West End credits include “Guys and Dolls” at the Phoenix Theatre, ‘Lonny’ in the original London cast of “Rock of Ages” and ‘Barlow’ in “I Can’t Sing” at the London Palladium. Simon will also star in Nativity Rocks’ the fourth film in the Nativity series which is released in November.

Adam Thomas is best known for starring in ITV’s, ‘Emmerdale’ as ‘Adam Barton’, a role he has played since 2009. Adam previously starred in BBC one’s ‘Waterloo Road’ where he played ‘Donte Charles’ for three years. Nativity! The Musical marks Adam’s stage debut.


Charlie Brooks is best known for playing ‘Janine Butcher’ in BBC one’s ‘EastEnders’. She won the 2011 Christmas special of BBC one’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and the twelfth series of ITV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here’. Her previous theatre credits include ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ at the Leicester Curve Theatre, ‘Beautiful Thing’ at the Arts Theatre and on UK tour and most recently starred in the World Premier of ‘Monogamy’ at London’s Park Theatre.


Jake Wood is best known for his role as ‘Max Branning’ in BBC one’s ‘EastEnders’ for which he has won a British Soap Award and an Inside Soap award. He also appeared on the twelfth series of BBC one’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ where he reached the semi- finals. His other acting credits include ‘Only Fools and Horses’ and ‘Red Dwarf’.

Scott Garnham’s previous theatre credits include the UK Tour of ‘Billy Elliot The Musical’ and the West End productions of ‘Les Misérables’ at the Queen’s Theatre and ‘I Can’t Sing’ at the London Palladium.


Ashleigh Gray played  the leading role, ‘Elphaba’ in “Wicked” in the West End and on UK Tour. Her other theatre credits include “Vanities” and “Cool Rider”.

The adult company are joined by the following children aged 9 – 12 from across the Midlands as the pupils of ‘St Bernadette’s School’; Ami Bakayoko , Evie Bennell-Low, Niamh Brady, Demi Delord,  Joseph Duffy, Tommy Gallagher, Alexander Hogg,  Kheiri Isaac-Osmani, Betsy Jiggins, Ben Lee, Marlie Olivia Love, Harry Martin, Joshua Millard-Lloyd, Jasmine McKenna, Amy-Louise Mulhall, Celie Newman,  Gerald Ngwenya, Lyla Peters, Katelyn-Janet Rollason, Aston Sidwell, Nicholas Vakis and Angeli Yunesse Sagala.

Casting announced for UK tour of Motown the Musical

Casting has just been announced for the UK and Ireland tour of Motown the Musical which opens in Birmingham on 11th October:  Edward Baruwa  will play the leading role of Berry Gordy, while Karis Anderson  will play Diana Ross, Nathan Lewis is Smokey Robinson and Shak Gabbidon-Williams will play Marvin Gaye.

Edward Baruwa’s previous credits include the West End productions of “Motown the Musical” at The Shaftesbury Theatre, “Les Misérables” at the Queen’s Theatre, “Five Guys Named Moe” at the Marble Arch Theatre and the UK Tour of “Sister Act”.

Karis Anderson is best known as being one third of pop band ‘Stooshe’ who celebrated a top five single ‘Black Heart’ in 2012 for which they received a nomination for Best British Single at the 2013 Brit Awards.

Nathan Lewis was a finalist on ITV’s The X Factor in 2016 as part of boyband ‘Five After Midnight’. Nathan makes his stage debut as ‘Smokey Robinson’.

Shak Gabbidon-William’s previous credits include ‘Young Simba’ in “The Lion King” in the West End and most recently starred as ‘Seaweed’ in the UK tour of “Hairspray”.
 

Ensemble members include Dayo Adeoye, Scott Armstrong, Simeon Beckett, Natalia Brown, Ethan Davis, Andrew Dillon, Akeem Ellis-Hyman, Christopher Gopaul, Daniel Haswell, Olivia Hibbert, Karis Jack, Michael Jeremiah, Amana Jones, Abz Kareem, Kane Matthews, DeeArna McClean, Matt Mills, Cordell Mosteller, Nicole Nyarambi, Spencer O'Brien, Perry O'Dea, Alex Okoampa, Reece Richards and Emma Robotham-Hunt.

The West End production opened in 2016 and is currently booking until 20th April 2019 at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

Anita Dobson and Craig Revel Horwood to star as Miss Hannigan in new tour of Annie the Musical

It has just been announced that Anita Dobson and Craig Revel Horwood will star as ‘Miss Hannigan’ in the forthcoming UK tour of  ANNIE opening at the Manchester Opera House on  2nd February 2019.

Anita will open he show and play the role from 2 February – 27 April 2019 and Craig will play the role from 30 April – 6 July 2019.

As Angie Watts in EastEnders, Anita Dobson created one of the most popular characters in television winning numerous awards. Her West End theatre credits include ‘Madame Morrible’ in “Wicked”, ‘Mama Morton’ in “Chicago”, ‘Mrs Meers’ in “Thoroughly Modern Mille”, ‘Chris’ in “Calendar Girls”, ‘Joan Crawford’ in “Bette and Joan” and ‘Nancy’ in “Frozen” at the National Theatre for which she was nominated for an Olivier, Evening Standard and London Critics Award. Her film credits include “London Road”.

Craig Revel Horwood is probably best known as a judge on all 16 series of BBC1’s “Strictly Come Dancing”. He returns to the part of ‘Miss Hannigan’ having played the role to critical acclaim in this production in both the West End and on the 2015/16 UK tour. His other West End Theatre credits include 'Munkustrap' in “Cats”, “Miss Saigon” at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and ‘Harry’ in “Crazy for You” at the Prince Edward Theatre. Craig directed and choreographed the recent tour of “Sister Act The Musical” as well as the “Strictly Come Dancing Live” tour for the past six years. He also choreographed the film “Paddington 2”.

Porgy & Bess being presented by ENO with John Wilson conducting

More than 80 years after its premiere, Porgy and Bess by George & Ira Gershin is to receive its first ENO staging  at the London Coliseum from 11-17th October 2018. 

Written for a large cast, with a chorus of 40 specially formed for this production, and full orchestra, Porgy and Bess explores the relationships between members of a close-knit community in 1920s South Carolina. It is is emotionally charged, powerful and moving piece delivered through jazz, ragtime, blues and spirituals, full of classic melodies, including  ‘Summertime’. 

Leading the cast are Eric Greene as Porgy and Nicole Cabell as Bess.  Nmon Ford makes his role debut as Crown, and Latonia Moore, an outstanding ENO Aida, returns to the London Coliseum as Serena. British soprano Nadine Benjamin makes her company debut as Clara, while rising tenor Frederick Ballentine makes his UK debut as Sporting Life.

Making their ENO debuts are conductor John Wilson and director James Robinson, the Artistic Director of Opera St Louis. 

Tickets for Porgy & Bess

Denise Van Outen joining cast of Chicago the Musical

Denise Van Outen is joining the West End cast of CHICAGO at the Phoenix Theatre, taking over the the role of Velma Kelly from Josefina Gabrielle from Monday 24th September to Saturday 17th  November 2018.  Denise will join Alexandra Burke as Roxie Hart, Duncan James as Billy Flynn, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton and Paul Rider as Amos Hart. 

Denise returns  to the show to play Velma Kelly having previously played the role of Roxie Hart in both the West End and on Broadway. Her other West End credits include Tell Me on a Sunday, Legally Blonde, Rent and her one woman show Some Girl I Used to Know.

On TV, Denise currently judges on Ireland’s Got Talent having previously judged on BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber. Denise can also be seen on ITV1’s daytime chat show Loose Women and in 2012 reached the final of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing. Her film credits include Love, Honor and Obey and Run for Your Wife

 CHICAGO is booking at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End until Saturday 5th January 2019.

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Release date announced for Cats the Movie

It has just been announced that the film adaptation of CATS the musical will be released on Friday, December 20, 2019

Universal Pictures and Working Title’s CATS is a film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s  smash musical “Cats” and the poems from “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” by T.S. Eliot.  Oscar®-winning director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech, Les Misérables, The Danish Girl) brings astonishing new technology to transform his performers, who will be choreographed by visionary movement pioneer Wayne McGregor, CBE. Casting director Lucy Bevan is working on the film adaptation. 

The epic will be produced by Hooper and Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, as well as fellow Les Misérables producer Debra Hayward—who brought the idea to Working Title.  CATS will be produced by Working Title Films in association with Monumental Pictures and The Really Useful Group and executive produced by three-time Oscar® winner Steven Spielberg, Lloyd Webber and Angela Morrison.