Michael Ball announces Coming Home To You tour for next Spring

Michael Ball has just announced a new 21 date UK tour, in  support of his new  studio album Coming Home To You which is due for release on 22nd March 2019. The  Olivier Award winner will kick off at Nottingham Royal Concert Hall  in April 2019 and tour the UK until the end of May next year

Michael has  received great critical acclaim for his performances in the West End and on Broadway in shows including Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd and the smash hit musical Hairspray. He has  sold millions of albums and toured all over  the world.

The Classic BRIT Award winner's album Together with Alfie Boe was Christmas Number 1 in 2016 and their second album Together Again in 2017 went straight to number one.  Now Michael is set to embark on his next live solo project with a 2019 UK tour to the following venues:

Tickets go on sale on 7th December at 0:900 for the following dates

Sat April 20 2019 - NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall
Sun April 21 2019 - YORK Barbican
Tue April 23 2019 - GLASGOW Royal Concert Hall
Wed April 24 2019 - HULL Bonus Arena
Thu April 25 2019 - GATESHEAD Sage
Sat April 27 2019 - BRISTOL Hippodrome
Sun April 28 2019 - LIVERPOOL Empire Theatre
Tue April 30 2019 - LONDON Palladium
Fri May 03 2019 - SHEFFIELD Palladium
Sat May 04 2019 - MANCHESTER Bridgewater Hall
Mon May 06 2019 - IPSWICH Regent Theatre
Wed May 08 2019 - BRIGHTON Centre
Fri May 10 2019 - SOUTHAMPTON O2 Guildhall
Sat May 11 2019 - OXFORD New Theatre
Sun May 12 2019 - BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall
Wed May 15 2019 - BOURNEMOUTH Windsor hall
Fri May 17 2019 - PORTSMOUTH Guildhall
Sat May 18 2019 - PLYMOUTH Pavilions
Sun May 19 2019 - CARDIFF St Davids Hall
Tue May 21 2019 - BLACKPOOL Opera House
Wed May 22 2019 - LEICESTER De Montfort Hall


Tickets for Michael Ball Coming Home To You go on general sale  on Friday 7th December at 09:00 

Avenue Q Tour Cast Announced

Casting has been announced for the 2019 UK Tour of Avenue Q which opens  at the Kings Theatre Portsmouth on 25th January 2019 before embarking on an extensive UK tour.

The cast includes  Megan Armstrong/Mrs T/Bad Idea Bear, Nicholas McLean/Friday Feeling,  Saori Oda, Cecily Redman/Lucy the Slut, LawrenceSmith/Princeton and Rod , Oliver Stanley/Brian, Tom Steedon/Nicky and Trekkie  with ensemble members and covers Chloe Gentles, Robbie Noonan, Ellis Dackombe and Jasmine Beel.

Bonnie Langford joins Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 Cast

Dolly Parton has  announced full casting for 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL at the Savoy Theatre, London for a strictly limited season from 28th January – 31st  August 2019. Bonnie Langford will play ‘Roz Keith’, joining the previously announced Louise Redknapp as ‘Violet Newstead’, Amber Davies as ‘Judy Bernly’, Natalie McQueen as ‘Doralee Rhodes’ and Brian Conley as ‘Franklin Hart’.

The cast also includes Victoria Anderson, Alexander Bartles, Ashford Campbell/Dwayne, Simon Campbell, Rhiane Drummond, Demmileigh Foster, Llandyll Gove/Dick, Lucinda Lawrence, Jenny Legg, Christopher Jordan Marshall, Natasha Mould, Sean Needham, Jon Reynolds,  James Royden-Lyley, Giles Surridge, Sasha Wareham and Emily Woodford.

Bonnie Langford was recently seen as Carmel Kazemi in  BBC's EastEnders for which she won a 2015 British Soap Award and is currently playing  Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Her other West End credits include the original cast of “Cats”, “Me and My Girl”, “Sweet Charity”, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and “Spamalot”. She played ‘Roxie Hart’ in “Chicago” at both the Adelphi and Cambridge theatres as well as on Broadway. Her touring credits include “Fosse”, “Guys and Dolls” and “9 to 5 The Musical”. She appeared in the 2006 series of ITV1’s “Dancing On Ice”, skating her way to the final and returning for the All Stars season in 2014.

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.

Hugh Jackman to perform 4 UK solo concerts in 2019

Hugh Jackman will stop off in the UK as part of a world tour and play dates in the UK and Ireland as part of his upcoming The Man. The Music. The Show world tour.

The stage and screen star will embark on his world tour in Spring 2019. He  will perform with  a live orchestra singing hit songs from films including The Greatest Showman and shows like Les Misérables (as well as other Broadway and film classics).

 Jackman  made his UK stage debut as Curly in Trevor Nunn's revival of Oklahoma! in 1998, and was nominated for an Olivier Award for his performance. He is now best known for his roles in The Greatest Showman, X-Men, Logan, the stage adaptation of Les Misérables, Jez Butterworth's The River and A Steady Rain.


He will appear  at Manchester Arena on 24th  May, followed by the Birmingham Resorts World Arena on 27th May, Dublin's 3 Arena on 30th May and London's O2 Arena on 2nd & 3rd June and

Tickets go on sale at 09:00 am on Friday 7 December

Charlie Stemp to appear in Rough Crossing Tour

The career of the very talented Charlie Stemp, (who turns 25 today) goes from strength to strength.  It ha just been announced that he is to appear in his first play as unorthodox cabin steward Dvornichek in Bill Kenwright's  touring production of Tom Stoppard’s 1984 comedy Rough Crossing which begins a ten-date tour at the Theatre Royal, Windsor, from January 30th .

Kenwright told Rachel Kavanaugh, the play’s director, and said he wanted someone with a twinkle in their eye but also the comic physicality of a Norman Wisdom or Lee Evans, for the part. She recommended Stemp, whom she had directed in Mackintosh’s Chichester Festival Theatre and West End production of Half A Sixpence.

Kenwright said: It was an inspired choice. We had to run it by Tom Stoppard, and he’s very pleased with the casting of Charlie.

Stemp has a busy year ahead.  He recently returned from Broadway after receiving rave reviews opposite Bette Middler in Hello Dolly, and is currently rehearsing the part of the Prince in the  Palladium panto Snow White . He also due to play Bert opposite  Zizi Strallen in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward in the autumn.
 

He told he Mail's Baz that  he’s thrilled but nervous about the new job because ‘I’ve never done a play before — but it’s something I’ve wanted to do’.‘There’s some dancing to be done,’ he said, cheerfully. And the comedy appealed to him, too.




Rough Crossing tour dates and booking links  here

Mean Girls heading for London in Autumn 2020?

Tina Fey's  hit Broadway  slick and very funny musical Mean Girls is headed to the West End around autumn 2020 according to the  Mail's Baz Bamigboye.

Based on the film starring Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, trhe musical is about tribal gangs of high school girls, and gossipy goings-on in and out of class. The show’s heroine Cady arrives in the US after being home-schooled by her zoologist parents in Africa but her life changes when when  a trio of snooty Alpha girls known as ‘The Plastics,grudgingly let her join them. Fey has added a lot of her own observations, particularly how schoolgirls (and boys) use ostracism as a weapon.

The show - directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw (The Book Of Mormon, Dreamgirls and Aladdin already in London's West End) - is looking to open around  autumn 2020 with an an executive on the New York production telling Baz: "We are sniffing around for a theatre".

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 50th Anniversary Production to run at Palladium next June

Baz has announced in today's Mail that a 50th Anniversary production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is  heading to the London Palladium next summer for a limited 11-week  run from Wednesday 26th June  - Sunday 8th September. No  cast has yet been announced.

Michael Harrison will produce and direct the production.

Meanwhile there is a new Bill Kenwright tour of the production which opens at Windsor next February.

Lloyd Webber said:  it was "high time for another production of Joseph" and he decided to hand over to Harrison because  he’s busy on the Cats film, and workshop projects at the Other Palace Theatre.

Buy tickets which ae now on general sale

Caroline Flack to play Chicago's Roxie from next month

Love Island's Caroline Flack is to star as Roxie Hart in Chicago the Musical  from 10th December until the end of the show's run on 5th  January 2019, taking over from  Sarah Soetaert who is playing the role until 8th December. Caroline will be joining star of RuPaul's Drag Race Todrick Hall as Billy Flynn, Josefina Gabrielle as Velma Kelly, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton and Paul Rider as Amos Hart.

Caroline Flack is the presenter of the BAFTA award-winning Love Island. Her other presenting credits include The X Factor, The Xtra Factor and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Now! She made her stage debut as Irene Roth in the national tour of Crazy For You after winning  the 2014 series of BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing  which she will return to for this year's Christmas special.

Caroline said today "I've been imagining playing Roxie since I was a teenager. To have now landed the role in the West End is a dream come true. I hope I do everyone proud and don't fall off the ladder!"

New Miss Trunchbull joins Matilda tour in January

Craige Els leaves the UK tour of Matilda on 12th January with Elliot Harper taking over the role of  Miss Trunchbull  from 15th January when it opens at the  Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Carly Thoms (Miss Honey) and Sebastien Torkia and Rebecca Thornhill (Mr and Mrs Wormwood) will continue in their roles until the tour concludes its current run at Norwich Theatre Royal on 17th August 2019.

Elliot Harper’s West End theatre credits include Father Joe in The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre, Matilda The Musical (Cambridge Theatre), One Man Two Guvnors (National Theatre), Les Misérables (Queens Theatre) and The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre). Other theatre credits include Sweet Charity (Watermill), A Study In Scarlet (Southwark Playhouse), The Silver Tassie (Druid/Lincoln Center NY), Rope, Arsenic and Old Lace (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), The Big Sleep (The Mill At Sonning), As You Like It, Deathtrap, The Taming of the Shrew, The Talented Mr Ripley and Travels with my Aunt (Queens Theatre, Hornchurch), and the UK touring productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and The Buddy Holly Story. Harper’s film and television credits include Howard Goodall’s 20th Century Greats (Tiger Aspect), Showroom, which was a winning film at SXSW Film Festival, and The Egg, Masters of the Universe (Asalva Productions).

News on Cast Recording of Company

Elliott and Harper has confirmed that a  cast recording of Marianne Elliott's production of Company has been made this weekend featuring the cast of Stephen Sondheim and George Furst's musical which switches the gender of the lead character Bobby to Bobbie and is running until the end of March at the Gielgud. 

Rosalie Craig plays Bobbie with  Patti LuPone as Joanne, Jonathan Bailey as Jamie, Alex Gaumond as Paul, Daisy Maywood as Susan, Mel Giedroyc as Sarah, George Blagden as PJ, Ashley Campbell as Peter, Richard Fleeshman as Andy, Richard Henders as David, Ben Lewis as Larry, Jennifer Saayeng as Jenny, Matthew Seadon-Young as Theo, Gavin Spokes as Harry with  Michael Colbourne, Francesca Ellis, Ewan Gillies, Grant Neal and Jaimie Pruden.

The recordings are rumoured to be supervised by Stephen Sondheim and the sessions will be filmed for use in a documentary about the making of the musical. The release date for the recording has not yet been confirmed.

Michael Ball & Sheridan Smith Hollywood Proms night at Lytham Festival 2019.

It has just been announced that Sheridan Smith and Michael Ball will be headlining a spectacular Hollywood Proms night at Lytham Festival 2019 which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2019 with its biggest line-up ever from Wednesday July 10 -Sunday 14.

The festival will close with the Hollywood Proms finale on Sunday 14th July, when families and live music lovers are encouraged to pack up their candelabras and picnic hampers for an evening of musical celebration with a host of stars celebrating music from the movies accompanied by a full orchestra. The evening will end with a traditional Last Night of the Proms finale,

Michael Ball and Olivier and  Sheridan Smith are  confirmed with more names to follow.

General tickets go on sale Friday November 30th

Tickets on sale for the European premiere of Mary Poppins Returns

Tickets have just gone on sale for the European premiere of Mary Poppins Returns at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 12 December at 7:15 pm in support of the BAFTA Capital Campaign.

At this star studded event you will walk the red carpet into the Royal Albert Hall and join the cast, film-makers and celebrity guests at one of the most hotly anticipated events of the festive season. 

Mary Poppins Returns stars Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure. The amazing cast also includes Lin Manuel Miranda, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Lixie Davies, Joel Dawson and Nathanael Saleh and is directed by Rob Marshall. 

Tickets for  European premiere of Mary Poppins Returns

David Thaxton to take on Phantom role in December

David Thaxton will Star in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Her Majesty's Theatre from Monday 10th December 2018.

The current Phantom,  Tim Howar, will leave the show temporarily to play his contracted dates with Mike and the Mechanics. His final performance as 'The Phantom' will be on Saturday 8th  December and he will return to the role from Monday 13th  May 2019.
 

Having just finished  playing 'Javert' in "Les Misérables" at the Queen's Theatre, David Thaxton's West End credits include 'Enjolras' in "Les Misérables", 'Raoul' in "Love Never Dies" at The Adelphi Theatre, 'Pilate' in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Regents Park Theatre, and 'Giorgio' in "Passion" at The Donmar Warehouse.

Evita announced as Regents Park Open Air Theatre summer musical

The Open Air Theatre at Regents Park has just announced their 2019 season with Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Evita being presented over the summer from 2nd August - 21st September 2019.

Directed by Jamie Lloyd, who was previously assistant director on Michael Grandage's production of Evita in the West End in 2006 and  is currently overseeing the Pinter at the Pinter season in the West End. Lloyd.  Evita tells the life story of the extraordinary Eva Peron (second wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron,  following her acting career, rise to power, charity work, feminist involvement and eventual death. She gained enormous wealth and power during her ultimate rise to sainthood. 

It features some of the biggest musical theatre hit songs ever written, including Don't Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night Of A Thousand Stars, Another Suitcase In Another Hall, I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You, High Flying Adored and Oh What A Circus.

Katharine McPhee to star as Jenna in Waitress Musical

The Waitress musical has just announced that Katharine McPhee is to star as Jenna in Lonon  making her West End debut as Jenna ,after playing the role on Broadway

Listen to her performing "She Used To Be Mine" from the show.

Katharine McPhee won "American Idol," Season 5, and has become a successful recording artist, with  numerous songs and albums on Billboard's pop, jazz, holiday and adult-contemporary charts. Her latest album of timeless American standards "I Fall in Love Too Easily" was released by BMG in 2017. As an acclaimed actress, she was the breakout star of the 2013 NBC-TV musical series, "Smash," Executive Produced by Steven Spielberg with music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray). She is currently starring in the hit CBS dramatic series "Scorpion."

The musical written  by Sara Bareilles and Jessie Nelson opens at the Adelphi Theatre on 8th  February and is currently booking until 25 May.

American ballet star Robbie Fairchild to play Munkustrap in Cats Movie

Updated 30th November: Director Tom Hooper has turned to the ballet world to cast a another  part in the Cats film, which starts filming  in ten days’ time. Uber talented American ballet star Robbie Fairchild to take on the part of senior tabby Munkustrap who is the principal narrator  named in "The Naming of Cats". He is the responsible older brother of the wild Rum Tum Tugger  and leader and protector to the Jellicle cats.

Fairchild was a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet who  starred in An American In Paris on Broadway, and London’s Dominion Theatre. He has appeared in several musical concerts in the US.

 

According to the Hollywood Reporter the latest addition to the stellar cast appearing in Cats the movie is multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jason Derulo who will make his feature acting debut  playing the Rum Tum Tugger, who is is portrayed as the rebel cat who cannot help but be difficult. He is never satisfied with what you give him and sets himself apart from others by trying to be different.

Tom Hooper is directing the all-star production, which already already has a  cast including Jennifer Hudson (Grizabella),  Ian McKellen (Gus the Theatre Cat), Judi Dench (Deuteronomy), Idris Elba (Macavity), Rebel Wilson (Jennyanydots), Taylor Swift, James Corden, and Royal Ballet principal dancers Steven McRae (Skimbleshanks) and Francesca Hayward (Victoria the white cat)

Production is due to begin next month for a December 20th 2019 release date.

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Madaleno Alberto completes cast for Aspects of Love at Southwark

Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Hope Mill Theatre have announced the full cast for the London transfer of their production of Aspects of Love to  Southwark Playhouse from 7th January-9th Februay 2019.

Madalena Alberto will play Giulietta Trapani completing the previously announced cast of Kelly Price (That Day We Sang, A Little Night Music - Olivier Award Nominee, 2010) in the role of Rose, Felix Mosse (The Rocky Horror Show) as Alex, Jerome Pradon (Jesus Christ Superstar, Pacific Overtures - Olivier Award Nominee, 2003) as George, Jack Churms, as Jerome/ensemble, Jason Kajdi (Our House, Assassins) as Hugo, Julia J Nagle (An American in Paris) as Elizabeth/ensemble, Minal Patel (The Secret Garden, Bend it Like Beckham) as Marcel,  Eleanor Walsh as Jenny/ensemble and Eleanor Jackson/ensemble

Madalena Alberto has played some of the most coveted roles in musical theatre, including Fantine in Les Misérables (Barbican and UK tour), Grizabella in Cats (London Palladium) and the title role in Evita (Dominion Theatre, UK and International tours). She is also an established solo artist and songwriter, performing regularly in concerts in London, Lisbon and Barcelona, and is a proud associate artist to Chaskis Theatre Company in London.

Directed by Jonathan O'Boyle (Rain Man, Hair and Pippin) this new, intimately reimagined production will play for a limited season from 7 January to 9 February 2019, with a national press night on Thursday 10 January. This will be the fourth London transfer from Hope Mill Theatre, following Yank!, Hair and Pippin, and the award-winning 50th anniversary production of Hair has recently announced a major UK tour in 2019.

Buy tickets for Aspects of Love

Laura Michelle Kelly back in London for one off solo concert

West End and Broadway star Laura Michelle Kelly is returning to London to perform a one off solo concert at Cadogan Hall at 6:30 pm on Sunday 24 February 2019.

Kelly won the 2005 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for playing Mary Poppins in the West End.  She spent a year and a half in New York playing Sylvia Llewelyn Davies in the Broadway production of Finding Neverland, starring opposite Matthew Morrison and Kelsey Grammer. Laura most  recently completed her run as Anna Leonowens in the national tour of The King and I.

Her other Broadway/New York credits include the Encores! production of Me And My Girl, reprising her role in Mary Poppins and the 2004 revival of Fiddler on the Roof. West End credits include: My Fair Lady (Eliza), Speed The Plow (Karen), Lord of the Rings: The Musical (Galadriel), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Whistle Down the Wind (Swallow), Peter Pan (Wendy), Les Miserables (Eponine), Mamma Mia! (Sophie). Regional: The King and I (Anna) and South Pacific (Nellie).

On screen Laura has appeared in the Tim Burton movie Sweeney Todd as Lucy/Beggar Woman and in Goddess (2012 Cannes Film Festival); Laura’s album The Storm Inside was released in 2006 and she has taken part in numerous radio, TV, concert appearances including the Royal Albert Hall, Hampton Court Palace, Royal Opera House, Millennium Stadium, Buckingham Palace and performed for President Obama for the 4th of July celebration and for the nation’s televised event Broadway at the White House. She is also the recipient of the Voice of Musical Theatre Award.

 

She  said: "Coming back to London to sing in my own show is a big deal for me. I've already invited a few special guests to join me from some of the shows I've been a part of in the West End and I'm beyond excited to be performing with old friends. We are going to make it such a fun night!"

The concert,is produced by Club 11 London and Take Two Theatricals.

Buy tickets for Laura Michelle Kelly

Black Is The Color Of My Voice Nina Simone Musical

Following sell-out seasons in Shanghai, New York, Edinburgh and in London at Wilton’s Music Hall, the Fringe First award winner Apphia Campbell brings her acclaimed play with music Black Is The Color Of My Voice  which is inspired by the life of Nina Simone to the Trafalgar Studios for four weeks only from 5th February-2nd March      

On weekend evenings, Apphia will also perform Soul Sessions, a 50-minute cabaret inspired by Simone's music, after Black is the Color of My Voice (separate ticket purchase required)

The 70-minute play is written and performed by Apphia Campbell and directed by Arran Hawkins and Nate Jacobs. It is inspired by the life and civil rights activism of Nina Simone, who went from a young piano prodigy to jazz legend. It had its UK premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2014, before touring to the St James Theatre, Wilton's Music Hall and the Oxford Playhouse.

Campbell's other work includes Woke, which won a Fringe First Award in Edinburgh in 2017 and won a Highly Commended award from Amnesty International.

Tickets for Black is the Color of My Voice and Soul Sessions are on sale now.

Rebel Wilson To Play Jennyanydots in CATS movie

Latest news on casting for Cats the Movie is that Rebel Wilson is playing the old Gumbie cat Jennyanydots who  has a nocturnal penchant for dancing, cooking, and teaching mice. She has a reputation for being lazy and  spends her days seeking out the warm and sunny spots where she sits, and sits, and sits, and sleeps as the hours tick by. But when the moon rises, she's alive and bakes and fries, and teaches the mice "knitting, crocheting and tatting."

The Pitch Perfect star was last seen in London's West End playing Miss Adelaide in Guys & Dolls. Wilson joins a stellar cast that includes Jennifer Hudson (Grizabella),  Ian McKellen (Gus the Theatre Cat), Judi Dench (Deuteronomy), Idris Elba (Macavity), Taylor Swift, James Corden, and Royal Ballet principal dancers Steven McRae (Skimbleshanks) and Francesca Hayward (Victoria the white cat).

The cast has been rehearsing with director Tom Hooper at Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire for a December 20th, 2019 movie release

All star cast announced for premiere of new musical The Dreamers at Abbey Road Studios

The producers of the brand-new British musical “THE DREAMERS” are thrilled to announce four premiere performances  at the  Abbey Road Studios on Friday 7th December and Saturday 8th December at 2.00pm and 7.30pm.

At the outbreak of the First World War, a young and inexperienced officer, Reggie, is pushed into leadership by his rich and powerful father. On an ill-fated voyage to the battlefield, Reggie struggles to hold his unit together when a jealous and bitter recruit, Jack, stirs trouble amongst the men. Disaster strikes when their ship crashes, and amidst the chaos, Reggie and Jack are thrown together. Inspired by true events, “THE DREAMERS” is a testament to the power of comradeship in the face of adversity.

“THE DREAMERS” stars Will Carey (It’s Only Life), Earl Carpenter (Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Evita), Dougie Carter (Sunset Boulevard, Les Misérables), Zoe Doano (Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Death Takes A Holiday), Col Farrell (Oh! What A Lovely War!, In Loving Memory, Young Chekov Trilogy), Phoebe Fildes (Once The Musical, The Mousetrap), Maria Graciano (Miss Saigon, Matilda The Musical, Wicked), Thomas Grant (Vanity Fair, Midsomer Murders), Tom Hier (Miss Saigon, Footloose, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Devon-Elise Johnson (Half A Sixpence, Titanic), Dean John-Wilson (Aladdin, The King and I), Craig Nash (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Sam O’Rourke (Half A Sixpence, Mrs Henderson Presents), Claire Parrish (Mary Poppins, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables), Leah Pinney (The Clockmaker’s Daughter), Charlotte Wakefield (Spring Awakening, The Sound of Music, Crazy For You, Mamma Mia!), Paul Wilkins (Les Misérables) and Annette Yeo (Love Never Dies, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, City of Angels, The Phantom of the Opera).

“THE DREAMERS” will mark the first time in history that a musical has been performed at Abbey Road Studios. The iconic Studio One, which has played host to the likes of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Stevie Wonder, Sting and U2, will be transformed into a theatre especially for this event. These performances are co-produced by Stars Foundation for Cerebral Palsy, and any profits from the event will go directly to the charity.

Created and written by James Beeny and Gina Georgio, “THE DREAMERS” is directed by Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy, choreography by Lee Proud, set and costume design by Simon Wells, sound design by Andrew Josephs, lighting design by Tim Deiling, associate choreography by Joanne McShane and costume supervision by Mary Charlton.

Buy tickets for The Dreamers

Wicked releases 500,000 new tickets, extends booking period and announces extra shows

WICKED the musical has just announced the release of  500,000 new tickets and is now booking to Saturday 30th November 2019 at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre. A limited number of seats are also released daily for that day's performance(s) at 10:00am, in person at the Box Office only.
 

Also five extra shows have been added this Christmas all starting at 2.30pm on Monday 24th December, Thursday 27th December, Friday 28th December, Sunday 30th December 2018 and Thursday 3rd January 2019.

Further extra shows have also been added in 2019: Thursday 21 February, Thursday 18 April, Thursday 15 August, Thursday 29 August and Thursday 24 October 2019, all starting at 2.30pm.

More dates announced for tour of Les Miserables

Cameron Mackintosh has today announced  further dates for the UK and Ireland  tour of LES MISÉRABLES. 

In addition to the previously announced dates, the musical will also play Plymouth Theatre Royal (11 June – 6 July 2019), Bradford Alhambra (9 July – 10 August 2019), Liverpool Empire (9 – 26 October 2019) and Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff (26 November 2019 – 4 January 2020) with more to dates still to be announced. 

Tickets for the new dates go on sale at the end of this month

Book early as this UK and Ireland tour is set to sell out in many places before it opens. The Curve Leicester run sold out in record-breaking time, with last remaining seats in Dublin, Edinburgh and Manchester.

Peter Polycarpou, Nicholas Lyndhurst & Cassidy Janson join Kelsey Grammer in ENO's The Man of La Mancha

Updated 15th March : West End leading man Peter Polycarpou, Only Fools and Horses actor Nicholas Lyndhurst and West End leading lady Cassidy Janson will join the new revival of Man of La Mancha at the Coliseum.

Janson,  appeared in Chess at the same venue in 2018. She will share the role of Aldonza and Dulcinea with opera singer Danielle de Niese. De Niese will do 33 performances and Janson 17.

Polycarpou will play Sancho Panza the peasant labourer who Don Quixote takes as his squire. A representation of the common man, Sancho is a foil to Don Quixote and virtually every other character in the novel

Lyndhurst will play the Innkeeper and the Captain. His previous theatre credits include Carousel at the Coliseum, and Trevor Nunn's The Tempest at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

TV, film and theatre  star Kelsey Grammer (Broadway:  La Cage Aux Folles, Finding Neverland, London: Big Fish) is to  star as Miguel de Cervantes and Don Quixote  in an ENO concert production of the musical Man of La Mancha directed by Lonny Price. Australian-born lyric soprano Danielle De Niese has  been cast as country wench Aldonza, who becomes  Princess Dulcinea in the hallucinations of  Quixote.

The concert production of the musical, based on the classic tale of  Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote, will be presented by the English National Opera running from  April 26th-June 8th, 2019.

Considered one of the greatest musicals of all time, Man of La Mancha is famous for its inspiring story exploring the noble themes of idealism and courage in the face of despairand and memorable songs including  "I, Don Quixote (Man of La Mancha)", "Dulcinea", "It's All The Same" and the iconic anthem "The Impossible Dream".

Buy tickets for The Man of La Mancha 

Rob Brydon, Louise Dearman and Jess Gillam in Joe Stilgoe's Christmas at the Movies

Rob Brydon, Louise Dearman and Jess Gillam join Joe Stilgoe and his magnificent seven-piece band for a one night festive spectacular, Joe Stilgoe's Christmas at the Movies at the Lyric Theatre on Monday 10th December.  Highlights from the show will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 at  2:00pm on Christmas Day.

Joe Stilgoe's brand new show, Christmas at the Movies adds his own original and stylish orchestrations to some of the most memorable moments in movie history making them uniquely unforgettable.

The  guests this Christmas, include West End  and international concert star, Louise Dearman (Wicked!, Guys & Dolls), award winning saxophonist, Jess Gillam (Classic Brit Award Winner 2018, BBC Proms 2018), and actor and comedian, Rob Brydon (Would I Lie to You?, Gavin and Stacey).
 

Christmas at the Movies takes the audience on a sleigh ride through  movies including It's A Wonderful Life,White Christmas, Home Alone and  Elf,

Tickets for Christmas at the Movies 

Kinky Boots London being filmed for future screening

The West End production of Kinky Boots is to be filmed at the end of this  month for future worldwide screening. The original cast members Killian Donnelly and Matt Henry will return to play the roles of Charlie and Lola  from Monday 26th -Wednesday 28th November  while the filming takes place. Both actors were nominated for an Olivier Award with Matt Henry winning  Best Actor in A Musical playing Lola.

The London show will close on 12 January 2019 after more than 1400 performances at the Adelphi Theatre.  Based on Tim Firth's 2005 film of the same name, the musical first ran on Broadway in 2012 with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, book by Harvey Fierstein and direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell.

Kinky Boots is also currently on a major UK tour through to November 2019

Details for the screening to be announced.

Principal casting for Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake at Sadler's Wells

New Adventures has announced casting for ‘The Swan’ and ‘The Prince’ in Matthew Bourne’s new production of his legendary “SWAN LAKE” at Sadler’s Wells from Tuesday 4 December 2018 to Sunday 27 January 2019.

The Royal Ballet’s newest Principal Dancer, Matthew Ball, will be joining New Adventures for the entire London season of Matthew Bourne’s “SWAN LAKE” at Sadler’s Wells in the role of ‘The Swan’. Matthew will be making his debut with New Adventures and will dance four performances each week during the eight-week season at Sadler’s Wells. This year he also made his debut as ‘Prince Siegfried’ in The Royal Ballet’s new production of “Swan Lake” at the Royal Opera House. Matthew Ball joins New Adventures star Will Bozier, who most recently danced to great acclaim as ‘Harry, the Pilot’, in Matthew Bourne’s “Cinderella” and former English National Ballet star Max Westwell who was also recently seen in the West End in “An American in Paris”. Will and Max are both making their debuts in the role of ‘The Swan’ and will perform throughout the UK and International tour.

Returning to the role of ‘The Prince’ are two much loved New Adventures stars, Liam Mower (recently wowing audiences as ‘The Angel’ in “Cinderella”) and Dominic North (acclaimed star of “Edward Scissorhands”, “The Car Man”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “The Red Shoes” and “Cinderella”). They are joined by New Adventures newcomer, 19 year old James Lovell, who is making his professional debut in this production.

The casting for the London season at Sadler’s Wells is:

Tuesday 4 December: Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Wednesday 5 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Thursday 6 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Friday 7 December: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 8 December (mat): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 8 December (eve): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 9 December (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 9 December (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Monday 10 December: NO PERFORMANCE
Tuesday 11 December: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’ Wednesday 12 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Thursday 13 December: Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Friday 14 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 15 December (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 15 December (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 16 December (mat): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 16 December (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Monday 17 December: NO PERFORMANCE
Tuesday 18 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Wednesday 19 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Thursday 20 December: Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Friday 21 December: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 22 December (mat): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 22 December (eve): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 23 December (mat): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 23 December (eve): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Monday 24 December: NO PERFORMANCE
Tuesday 25 December: NO PERFORMANCE
Wednesday 26 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Thursday 27 December (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’
Thursday 27 December (eve): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Friday 28 December: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 29 December (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 29 December (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 30 December (mat): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 30 December (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’

Monday 31 December: NO PERFORMANCE
Tuesday 1 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Wednesday 2 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Thursday 3 January: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Friday 4 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 5 January (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 5 January (eve): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 6 January (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 6 January (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Monday 7 January: NO PERFORMANCE
Tuesday 8 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Wednesday 9 January: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Thursday 10 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Friday 11 January: Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 12 January (mat): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 12 January (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 13 January (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 13 January (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Monday 14 January: NO PERFORMANCE
Tuesday 15 January: Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Wednesday 16 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Thursday 17 January: Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’
Friday 18 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 19 January (mat): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 19 January (eve): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 20 January (mat): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 20 January (eve): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Monday 21 January: NO PERFORMANCE
Tuesday 22 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Wednesday 23 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Thursday 24 January (mat): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and James Lovell as ‘The Prince’
Thursday 24 January (eve): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Friday 25 January: Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 26 January (mat): Max Westwell as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’
Saturday 26 January (eve): Will Bozier as ‘The Swan’ and Liam Mower as ‘The Prince’
Sunday 27 January (mat): Matthew Ball as ‘The Swan’ and Dominic North as ‘The Prince’

Rob Houchen, Debbie Kurup, Judy Kuhn, Jon Robyns and Noel Sullivan join cast of The Best Of . . . Rock Musicals Charity Gala hosted by Sir Tim Rice

Updated 20th February:  Judy Kuhn (Fiddler on the Roof), Debbie Kurup (The Bodyguard), Ray Shell (Starlight Express), Sabrina Aloueche (We Will Rock You), Elvie Ellis (The Little Shop of Horrors), Rachel Fabri (The Sound of Music), Charlotte Harwood (Loserville), Rob Houchen (Titanic the Musical), Christian Lund (Phantom of the Opera), Jon Robyns (Hamilton) and Noel Sullivan (We Will Rock You) have now been added to the line up with more casting news still to come.


Hosted by Sir Tim Rice, The Best of… Rock Musicals will be performed at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith on May 12th 2019 at 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm. It is being organised by Hugh Wooldridge who ran the Night Of 1,000 Voices at the Royal Albert Hall for 19 years. 

The concerts will feature New York’s Adam Pascal (Rent); Adrianna Hicks (The Color Purple), Kristina Love (Tina) and David Michael Johnson (Jesus Christ Superstar) with  Kerry Ellis (Wicked) and a host of Broadway and West End talent, the West End Chorus, the City of London Philharmonic AllStars and some very special surprise guests.

Amongst many others, The Best of… Rock Musicals will include songs from Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Evita, Chess, Aida, Miss Saigon, RENT, Tommy, We Will Rock You, Spring Awakening, The Rocky Horror Show, Next To Normal, The Little Shop of Horrors, Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked and The Lion King.

The show will raise funds for The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, which offers help to those suffering from depression and mental illness.

Buy tickets for the Best of ... Rock Musicals

Rob Houchen, Celinde Schoenmaker and Liam Tamne join cast of Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas' musical The Light In The Piazza"

Just announced 4th April: three-time Olivier Awards winner and BAFTA nominee, Alex Jennings completes the  cast as Fabrizio's father, Signor Naccarelli.

Updated 18th February: Further casting has just been announced with  Rob Houchen as Fabrizio Naccarelli, Celinde Schoenmaker as Franca Naccarelli, Liam Tamne as Guiseppe Naccarelli, Marie McLaughlin as Signora Naccarelli and Malcolm Sinclair as Roy Johnson are joining Renee Fleming and Disney  star Dove Cameron making their London debuts playing  Margaret and Clara Johnson. Directed by Daniel Evans, artistic chief of Chichester Festival Theatre, the musical  features a 40-piece Opera North orchestra and will run for 20 performances at the Royal Festival Hall from June 14th until July 5th.

The cast also includes Matthew Woodyatt, Rhona McGregor, Tom Partridge, Molly Lynch, Nicholas Duncan, Chlöe Hart, Danny Becker, Monica Swayne and Simbi Akande.

The Light in the Piazza is a love story set in Florence in the summer of 1953 where Clara and Fabrizio Naccarelli experience love at first sight but a secret gets in the way of their happiness. Based on a 1960 novella by Elizabeth Spencer, the story is  about  Southern women Margaret and Clara Johnson, a mother and daughter holidaying in Florence in 1953, and the wealthy American woman’s attempts to marry off her daughter to a handsome young Florentine. Clara, is a beauty. who was kicked in the head by a Shetland pony as a girl , affecting her mental development.

The Tony Award-winning musical with has a book by Craig Lucas, music and lyrics by Adam Guettel is based on the novel by Elizabeth Spencer.It is running at the Royal Festival Hall for 20 performances only and will be directed by Daniel Evans, designed by Robert Jones with costumes from Brigitte Reiffenstuel. Lighting will be by Mark Henderson and sound by Mick Potter, with Opera North playing the score, conducted by Kimberley Grigsby.

Buy tickets for The Light in the Piazza

Notre Dame de Paris musical announces 7 performances in London

After touring in 23 countries  in nine languages over the last 20 years, the smash-hit French musical Notre Dame de Paris returns to London for 7 performances only at the London Coliseum from 23rd-27th January  2019. The original French production will be performed in London with English subtitles.

Presented by Nicolas Talar for Enzo Products Ltd and Adam Blanshay Productions, the musical is based on the novel by Victor Hugo,  telling the story of the cathedral bell-ringer Quasimodo and his desperate love for the beautiful gypsy dancer Esmeralda. This stage spectacular features an international ensemble of singers, dancers, acrobats and musicians, with music composed by Richard Cocciante and  lyrics by Luc Plamondon.

The production stars Angelo Del Vecchio/Quasimoso, Hiba Tawaji/Esmeralda, Daniel Lavoie/Frollo, Richard Charest/Gringoire, Alyzée Lalande/Fleur-de-Lys,  Martin Giroux/Phœbus and Jay/Clopin, who are all members of the principal cast in the current world tour.

Further casting will be announced in due course.

Buy tickets for Notre Dame de Paris 

First tour dates announced for The King and I

The Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I which ended its record-breaking sold-out season at the London Palladium in September is going on tour next year kicking off at  Manchester Opera house on  26th April, followed by Sunderland Empire in June. With more dates and casting news to follow. 

The King and I is the greatest musical from the golden age of musicals –  a celebration of the lavish heritage of the very best in romantic musical theatre from a multi award-winning creative team

Set in 1860s Bangkok, and hailed as one of Rodgers & Hammerstein's finest works, The King and I has a cast of more than 50 and  full-scale  orchestra with  a score featuring classics including Hello, Young Lovers, Shall We Dance?,  I Have Dreamed,  Something Wonderful, Whistle a Happy Tune and Getting to Know You. The musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher, whom the imperious King brings to Siam to tutor his many wives and children.

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Steven McRae to play Skimbleshanks in Cats movie

Steven McRae, a principal dancer for the Royal Ballet, will take on the role of Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat in the movie adaptation of Cats.  His previous roles include Magician/Mad Hatter in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Jack in Sweet Violet, Florizel in The Winter's Tale and  most recently in the Royal Ballet's production of Mayerling.

McRae joins fellow Royal Ballet principal Francesca Hayward in the  role of Victoria the white cat, as well as Dame Judi Dench/Old Deuteronomy, ancient leader of the Jellicle tribe, Jennifer Hudson/Grizabella , Idris Elba/Macavity the Mystery Cat, Sir Ian McKellen/gus the theatre cat, James Corden and Taylor Swift.

Harry Judd, Aston Merrygold Louis Smith and Jay McGuinness to appear in Rip It Up at Garrick next year

The dance show Rip It Up starring Harry Judd, Aston Merrygold and  Louis Smith has just finished a successful UK tour and is now transferring into  the Garrick Theatre from 7th  February for four months until 2nd  June,  starring the original cast members plus The Wanted's Jay McGuinness.

Smith formally announced his retirement from competitive gymnastics today saying: Gym has given me everything – it gave me the tools necessary to channel my ADHD throughout my childhood, and as I grew up through the sport, I very quickly found a purpose in life, and it has made me the person I am today. From a young age it became my dream to compete at an Olympic Games and represent Great Britain, so to have had the opportunity to do that on three separate occasions, and bring home four Olympic medals in the process, is something I will forever cherish and for which I am eternally grateful.

The show  will feature Merrygold and McGuinness singing, Judd on drums, and Smith performing gymnastic feats to songs  by artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, The Doors, and The Mamas and The Papas..

McGuinness said: I'm really looking forward to joining the cast as the undoubtedly best-looking member! Louis, Aston and Harry put on an amazing show touring with the '60s and I'm so grateful to be joining them.

Buy tickets for Rip It Up

Regents Park Jesus Christ Superstar to transfer into Barbican

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and the Barbican Theatre have just announced that following its  sell-out success in 2016 and 2017 at the Open Air Theatre, Jesus Christ Superstar will transfer to the Barbican Theatre for just 60 performances in 2019 from 4th July – 24th  August. Earlier this year the production played Chicago's Lyric Opera,  and embarks on a North American Tour next  Autumn.

With direction by Timothy Sheader, design by Tom Scutt, choreography by Drew McOnie, musical direction by Tom Deering, lighting design by Lee Curran and sound design by Nick Lidster for Autograph, the production won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical. Casting information will follow  in due course.

Buy tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar at the Barbican

Todrick Hall to take over role of Billy Flynn from Duncan James in Chicago

Todrick Hall played a limited engagement as Billy Flynn in the Broadway production of Chicago at the end of 2017, and will now return to the role of the slick lawyer in the London revival at the Phoenix Theatre from 19th November until the end of its run on 5th January,  taking over from Duncan James who leaves the show on  November 17th.

The actor, rose to fame on American Idol, is a judge on RuPaul's Drag Race and has almost 3 million subscribers on YouTube. He has also appeared on Broadway in Kinky Boots,   Hejoins Sarah Soetaert as Roxie Hart, Josefina Gabrielle as Velma Kelly, Mazz Murray as Mama Morton, and Paul Rider as Amos Hart. (Alexandra Burke plays the role of Roxie Hart until November 10th)

Hall has also previously appeared on Broadway in Memphis and in the original production of The Color Purple. His many viral YouTube videos frequently draw on his affinity for musical theatre  featuring  Shoshana Bean, Jay Armstrong Johnson, and Alex Newell (currently on Broadway in Once On This Island).

Hall said: “Chicago has been one of my favorite musicals since I first heard the song ‘Cell Block Tango, which has now been the inspiration for some of my most viral YouTube videos,I'm so excited to tell this story every night and be a part of one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time.

Full casting for new tour of The Bodyguard starring Alexandra Burke

Producers Michael Harrison and David Ian have announced full casting for the forthcoming UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning t musical THE BODYGUARD  which opens at the Theatre Royal Glasgow on  3rd  December.
 

Joining the previously announced Alexandra Burke as Rachel Marron is  Benoît Maréchal as Frank Farmer, Micha Richardson as Nicki Marron, Peter Landi as Bill Devaney, Craig Berry as Tony, Gary Turner as Sy Spector, Phil Atkinson as The Stalker and Simon Cotton as Ray Court. At certain performances the role of Rachel Marron will be played by Carole Stennett.
 

They will be joined by Rosie Cava-Beale, Callum Clack, Myles Cork, Kerry Crozier, Sia Dauda, Gustav Die, Chris Edgerley, James Lee Harris, Holly Liburd, Jack Loy, Hannah Millichamp, Helen Parsons, Daniil Shmidt, Jessica Simmons, Yiota Theo and Michael Wade Peters.

Alexandra Burke 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”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”.  

Benoît Maréchal starred as Frank Farmer in the French Production of The Bodyguard. His other credits include Quartett at the Odeon Theatre Paris and La Passion Selon St Jean at the Chatelet Theatre. On TV he has appeared in the successful Spiral. 

Micha Richardson’s credits include the national tours of Legally Blonde, Fame and Mamma Mia! where she played the role of Ali. Her international tour credits include We Will Rock You and The Bodyguard. Peter Landi’s many theatre credits include This House at the National Theatre, To Kill a Mockingbird at Manchester’s Royal Exchange and I.D. at the Almeida. 

Craig Berry’s  theatre credits include Mamma Mia!, Cats, Closer to Heaven, Titanic and The Producers. 

Gary Turner is probably best known for playing Carlos Diaz in ITV1’s Emmerdale and Nathan Blake in Hollyoaks. His theatre credits include national tours of Dead Guilty, How the Other Half Loves, Jekyll and Hyde and most recently Strictly Murder. 

Phil Atkinson recently played Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Kilworth House. He has also appeared in Little Shop of Horrors and Spring Awakening. 

Simon Cotton has appeared in A Clockwork Orange at the Park Theatre and The Dumb Waiter at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre. 

Carole Stennett’s many theatre credits include Rosa Parks in King at Hackney Empire, Dotty in Caroline, or Change at Hampstead Theatre and Nala in The Lion King in the West End and on tour. Carole has appeared as Rachel Marron many times in The Bodyguard in the West End, China and Toronto as well as the role of Nicki Marron in the show in the West End.

Full cast details for new musical Striking 12

Full casting has just  been announced for a new production of Off-Broadway musical Striking 12, which runs  at the Union Theatre from 28th November-23 December.

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Matchgirl, the piece mixes pop, rock and jazz to tell the story of down-and-out Brendan played by Declan Bennett (Jesus Christ Superstar), whose fiancée has left him, he’s going to lose his job and his boss is making him work late. The last thing he wants to do is celebrate but then has a chance encounter with a lightbulb seller. Bronté Barbé (Beautiful)  is playing The Little Match Girl.

Joining them are Danielle Kassaraté (Wildfire) as the Narrator, with Kate Robson-Stuart (Once) and Leon Scott (Othello) completing the ensemble.
 

Striking 12 has music by Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda (from the band GrooveLily) with book and lyrics by Milburn, Vigoda and Rachel Sheinkin. It will be directed by Oliver Kaderbhai (Peter Pan), Striking 12 with  design by Natalie Johnson; lighting design by Alex Lewer, musical direction by Ashley Harvey and  choreography by Oliver Kaderbhai and Marah Stafford.

Buy tickets for Striking 12