Matt Lucas to host special recording of Les Misérables in concert on BBC Radio 2

BBC Radio 2 is  to broadcast a special Les Misérables concert, hosted by Matt Lucas from 5:00pm on  5th January 2020 (programme runs for 2 hours 30 minutes). Lucas has  recently stepped back into the role of Thenadier in  the new version show at the Sondheim Theatre for six weeks following the indisposition of Gerard Carey who is due to return on Monday 3rd February .

An all-star concert production of the musical ran at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End from August until the end of November 2019, and was recently broadcast in cinemas across the world. The sell-out run featuring Alfie Boe, Michael Ball, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Shan Ako, Matt Lucas, Katy Secombe, John Owen-Jones, Rob Houchen, Lily Kerhoas, Bradley Jaden and more occurred while the Queen's Theatre (the home of Les Mis) was undergoing renovations. It has now re-opened as the Sondheim Theatre.

Matt Lucas to step in to play Thénardier in new production of LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre

Matt Lucas is to return to play the role of Thénardier on Monday 23rd December 2019 for six weeks in the new production of LES MISÉRABLES at the newly refurbished Sondheim Theatre in the West End where performances began on Wednesday.

Lucas returns to the part to step in for Gerard Carey who, after strict medical advice, was told on the morning of the first performance on Wednesday that he would be unable to perform during this period in order to completely rest his vocal chords and avoid long-term damage to his voice. Carey is expected to return to the role on Monday 3rd February 2020.
 

Cameron Mackintosh said: “Just as I was thanking the gods of the theatre for getting the spectacularly rebuilt Sondheim Theatre open on schedule with our brilliant new cast and production, we heard that our irrepressible Thénardier, Gerard Carey, would not be allowed to perform for several weeks due to a serious problem with his vocal chords. Though obviously a disappointment for him and all of us, I’m thrilled to announce that Matt Lucas has volunteered to abandon his Christmas plans and rejoin Les Mis as Master of the House after his recent triumph in the Staged Concert at the Gielgud Theatre. He will play alongside Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thénardier while Gerard recovers and returns to the company in February.”

Multi-Award winning comedian, screenwriter, actor and singer, Matt Lucas, recently reprised the role of Thénardier at the sold-out Les Misérables Staged Concert at the Gielgud Theatre, a role he previously played in the critically-acclaimed West End production Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre as well as in the show’s 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2 Arena.  His other theatre credits include Taboo at the Leicester Square Theatre and the touring production of Little Britain Live.  His film credits include Les Misérables Staged Concert, Sherlock Gnomes, Shaun of the Dead, Alice in Wonderland, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Gnomeo and Juliet, Bridesmaids and Paddington. On television his credits include Shooting Stars, Doctor Who, Pompidou, Come Fly with Me and The Wind in the Willows, as well as the BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning television show Little Britain with David Walliams.

Hannah Waddingham, Steph Parry & Emma Norman lead rest of cast announced for Boublil & Schoenberg's THE PIRATE QUEEN Charity Gala Performance

West End star Hannah Waddingham (three- time Olivier nominated as Kate/Lilli Vanessi in 'Kiss Me Kate' Desiree Armfeldt in 'A Little Night Music' and The Lady of The Lake in 'Monty Python's Spamalot'),), Steph Parry (Dorothy Brock in '42nd Street' and Donna in 'Mamma Mia' ) and Emma Norman (Mrs Lovett,' Sweeney Todd' and Miss Berta, 'Acorn Antiques the Musical') are the latest principals  to be announced for a star-studded charity gala performance of 'The Pirate Queen' at the London Coliseum on Sunday 23rd February, 2020 All proceeds from the concert by Boublil and Schönberg's - the writers of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon -  are going to Leukaemia UK.

They join the previously announced headliners Rachel Tucker (Olivier nominee for 'Come From Away', 'Wicked'), 'Britain's Got Talent' winner Jai McDowall and Matthew Pagan from Collabro

Producers have also revealed the rest of the cast which includes featured ensemble: Pearce Barron (Zombies: The Musical, Up Next), Jamie Birkett ('Les Miserables', 'Rent'), Trudi Camilleri (lead in 'Queen of the Mist', 'Death Takes a Holiday'), Sabrina Carter (Wicked, The Miser), Shaun Dalton (Kinky Boots, Eugenius), Adam Dawson (Hair, Spring Awakening), Callum Heinrich (Mamma Mia, Jane Eyre), Jade Johnson (The Book of Mormon, Club Mex: Immersive Club Musical), Harry Mills (Sunday in the Park with George, Batboy), Charlotte Payne (Potted Panto, Velvet), Sophie Reeves (Les Miserables, The Woman in White) and Jak Skelly (Oklahoma, Cats) who will be joined by ensemble members : Skye Adams, Thomas Ball, Jeremy Batt, Mary-Jean Caldwell, Sinead O Callaghan, Christopher Cameron, Jordan Castle, Alfie Doohan, Charlie Ellerton, Judicel Eslao, Nicola Espallardo, Amy Everett, Lois Morgan Gay, Aidan Harkins, Siwan Henderson, Hannah-Grace Lawson, James Mateo-Salt, Scarlett Maltman, Ethan Tanner, Harry Winchester and Cristian Zaccarini.

Based on the real-life story of history's Grace O'Malley - an Irish Chieftain and notorious pirate, 'The Pirate Queen' is an adventure about the  inspiring heroine who led an extraordinary life as a rogue, lover and mother in 16th-century Ireland. To protect her people and save her one true love, O'Malley must confront the one woman more powerful than her - her fierce rival, Queen Elizabeth I of England. The  show combines classic storytelling and a sweeping score, with the powerful, vibrant traditions of Irish dance and song, to create a modern musical event that is both historic romance and a timeless epic.

Tickets for The Pirate Queen

More Waitress cast changes

Waitress the musical in London  is to welcome Evelyn Hoskins (Assassins, Spring Awakening) to the role of Dawn  on 25th  January following Hannah Tointon’s final performance, while original London cast member Marisha Wallace (Dreamgirls, Aladdin) will resume the role of Becky on 6th January following Sandra Marvin’s final performance. Monique Ashe-Palmer will  join in the ensemble from 9th January, taking on the role from Cindy Belliot.

Waitress features an original score by 8-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), who has recently been announced to join the West End cast as Jenna opposite Gavin Creel (The Book of Mormon, Hello Dolly!) as Dr Pomatter for a strictly limited six-week season from 27 January to 7 March 2020. .

Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams her way out of a loveless marriage. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.

Waitress celebrated its official opening night at the Adelphi Theatre on 7 March 2019 and the Tony-nominated musical is now running in the West End through to 4 July 2020 before embarking on a major nationwide UK tour with  dates and details to be announced in due course.

Evelyn Hoskins (Dawn) most recently starred on stage in Assassins (Nottingham Playhouse/Watermill) and previously in the West End in Spring Awakening. Her other theatre credits include Cruel Intentions (Bill Kenwright), Mayfly (Orange Tree Theatre), Mrs Henderson Presents (Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto), Peter and the Starcatcher (Royal and Derngate), the title role of Carrie (Southwark Playhouse), Hero's Welcome (UK Tour, Off-Broadway), This Is My Family (Sheffield Crucible, UK Tour), The Boy Who Fell Into A Book (Stephen Joseph Theatre), Peter Pan (US Tour) and The Secret Garden (Birmingham Rep). For television she has starred in ITV’s A Confession and The Sound of Music Live, BBC series’ Casualty, Holby City and Doctors and E4’s Misfits. She has also performed in concert in The Hired Man (Cadogan Hall), Christmas with the Stars (Royal Albert Hall), Peter Pan (Adelphi) and Cool Rider (Lyric, West End).

Marisha Wallace (Becky) made her West End debut playing Effie White in Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre) after playing the role at the Tony-winning regional theatre Dallas Theater Center. Since landing in London she has performed in numerous concerts at The Royal Albert Hall, the London Palladium, and she’s a part of Broadway and West End Divas. She previously performed the role of Celie in The Color Purple in Concert at Cadogan Hall and had two sold out nights at Zedel. Marisha’s Broadway credits include the original Broadway productions of Something Rotten and Disney’s Aladdin, and she also appeared in the first US national tour of The Book of Mormon. Other stage credits include Sistas!, Aladdin (Toronto), Oklahoma!, for which she won the Drammy for Best Actress, One Night With Janis Joplin, Rent and Hair. Screen credits include Aladdin (the forthcoming live action film), Disney’s Frozen Fever, The Tony Awards, Good Morning America, The View and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Monique Ashe-Palmer’s (ensemble) theatre credits include Madagascar the Musical (UK and International Tour) as Kowalski/ensemble, onstage swing, dance captain and in which she also understudied Gloria. Fairy Everywhere in Sleeping Beauty (Camberley Theatre) and various performances at Leeds Grand Theatre and the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Sophie Isaacs to take over as Katherine Howard in Six at Arts Theatre

The producers of  SIX the Musical have  today announced that Sophie Isaacs take over from VickI Manser as the new Katherine Howard in the West End cast at the Arts Theatre from Tuesday 21st January.

Sophie starred as Heather McNamara in the cult West End hit musical 'Heathers', she was Annette in the sold-out critically acclaimed European premiere of 'Cruel Intentions the musical' at last year's Edinburgh Fringe, and is currently starring as Goldilocks in the panto  Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the London Palladium, Her other major musical theatre roles include Janet in 'The Rocky Horror Show', Frenchy in 'Grease', Sandra Beaumont in 'Made In Dagenham', Amber Von Tussle in 'Hairspray' and Margot in 'Legally Blonde'. 

Vicki Manser left  SIX this weekend to become the alternate Carole King in the new tour of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical which opens at Bromley Theatre in January.

 
The current West End cast includes Jarneia Richard-Noel/Catherine of Aragon, Courtney Bowman/Anne Boleyn,Natalie Paris/ Jane Seymour, Alexia Mcintosh/Anna of Cleves,TBA/Katherine Howard, Danielle Steers/Catherine Parr with Zara Macintosh/alternate Catherine of Aragon and Katherine Howard, Cherelle Jay/alternate Anne Boleyn and Anna of Cleves, Hana Stewart/ alternate Jane Seymour and Catherine Parr with Collette Guitart/dance captain/understudy and The Band as the Ladies in Waiting,

Sarah Brightman, Lea Salonga and John Barrowman performing at Greenwich Music Time next summer

Sarah Brightman, Lea Salonga and John Barrowman are starring in a series of concerts in London next summer at the Greenwich Music Time Festival, which is held at The Old Royal Naval College, on Monday 6th July.

Sarah Brightman is the first to perform on 6th July.  Billed as the world’s best-selling soprano singer, and she has appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, and originated the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. Last month she performed her first concert in the UK for 13 years when she sold out the Royal Albert Hall. Tickets are available now.

She will be followed by duo Lea Salonga and John Barrowman performing together on 7th July. Salonga originated the role of Kim in the West End production of Miss Saigon, winning an Olivier Award for her performance. She has also appeared in Les Miserables in the West End and on Broadway. She will be joined by Barrowman who made his theatre debut in Anything Goes in the West End, and went on to appear in Saigon alongside Salonga, as well as The Fix, La Cage aux Folles and Sunset Boulevard. Tickets for all the concerts are now available.

The two shows are part of a wider programme of concerts, including pop group McFly, singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, and Ms. Lauryn Hill.

New season of Monday Favourites concerts including John Owen Jones and Jordan Luke Gage now on sale

Following the  success of the first two seasons of Sunday Favourites at The Other Palace, Lambert Jackson Productions have just announced the line-up of their third season of intimate West End concerts which  includes Divina de Campo (finalist of RuPaul's Drag Race UK) on Monday 2nd March, Jordan Luke Gage (& Juliet, Bat Out of Hell) on 16th March, John Owen Jones (Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera) on 30th March, and Maiya Quansah-Breed (Six) on 20th April.

Monday Favourites is designed to bring musical theatre lovers closer to their favourite stars of the West End. With just over 300 seats, the main theatre of The Other Palace is a beautifully intimate concert space where every seat feels close to the stage and everyone has the perfect view to see these superstars perform an acoustic show of their favourite songs. Meet and greet options are available.

Creatives Announced For World Premiere Andrew Lloyd Webber CINDERELLA

According to a new report, Andrew Lloyd Webber, currently  working on the  world premiere of his new musical adaptation of Cinderella with a contemporary twist.

With  Laurence Connor due to direct (School of Rock, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), with Gabriela Tylesova on scenic & costume design and Joann Hunter as choreographer. The musical features lyrics by David Zippel and a book by actress and writer Emerald Fennel. Lloyd Webber said of the creative team's non-traditional approach to the material."They have remade Cinderella into a completely modern, feisty girl," said  "Every piece of the story is followed, but it will be turned around so it's not at all what you expect it to be. It just turns the whole thing around on itself." The classic fairy tale gets a makeover that includes a feisty, fiery version of the titular princess who falls in love with an awkward oddball named Sebastian, and a gay love story involving Prince Charming and a duke.

Lord Lloyd Webber, is working on a new score with Carrie Hope Fletcher with a dance workshop planned for March in London, with the show aiming for a 2020 London opening, subject to theatre  availability.

The London workshop held earlier this year had a cast including Carrie Hope Fletcher as Cinderella, Tyrone Huntley as Sebastian, Gary Wilmot as Jean, Ruthie Henshall as Queen, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Stepmother, Sophie Isaacs as Adele, and Rebecca Trehearn as Marie.The ensemble included Lucy Anderson, Dan Buckley, Charlie Burn, Ronan Burns (Duke), Darragh Cowley, Daniel Crowder, Jonny Fines (Prince Charming), Ahmed Hamad, Danny Michaels, Jo Napthine, Oliver Ormson (Dorian), Jemma Revell, and Gabriella Williams.

Theo James and Jonathan Slinger join cast of City of Angels

Baz in today's Mail has revealed more casting news for the West End transfer of City of Angels. Television and film star, Theo James, will portray private eye, Stone with veteran actor Jonathan Slinger playing Hollywood mogul, Buddy Fidler.

They join a cast that includes the already announced  Hadley Fraser as Stine, Rosalie Craig as Gabby/Bobbi, Rebecca Trehearn as Donna/Oolie and making their West End debut, Vanessa Williams, in the role of Carla/Alaura and former Girls Aloud band member Nicola Roberts playing young cinema starlet Avril as well as Mallory, who is a character in the film.

The cast also includes Marc Elliott as Panchos/Munoz, Nick Cavaliere as Sonny, Adam Fogarty as Big Six, Mark Penfold as Luther Kingsley, Rob Houchen as Jimmy/Dr Mandril, Joshua St Clair as Peter Kingsley with  Cindy Bellot, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Manuel Pacific and Ryan Reid as Angel City 4.

Further casting is still to be announced.

Kevin Clifton to star in The Wedding Singer at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

Kevin Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing) is to star in The Wedding Singer at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre for a limited four-week run opening on 30th  January and running until 1 March 2020 with tickets on sale now Clifton, who was a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing and has previously appeared in Rock of Ages and Dirty Dancing, will play the lead role of Robbie Hart in the musical, which is based on the hit film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

Directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, the musical is based on the 1998 film of the same name. Set in 1985 rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart  is New Jersey’s favourite wedding singer. When his own fiancée dumps him at the altar a seriously bummed out Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own.Can sweet natured Julia,  and her best friend Hollie lure Robbie out of the dumpster and back into the limelight? Or is he going to see her head off down the aisle with Wall Street bad boy Glenn? Only Grandma Rosie  seems to be able to see that Robbie and Julia are the couple that are meant to be.

Kevin Clifton is perhaps best known for his appearances on various televised dance competitions, including guest-starring on Dancing with the Stars in the US and on So You Think You Can Dance in the Netherlands, and of course competing on seven consecutive series of Strictly Come Dancing, in which he won the sixteenth series with TV presenter Stacey Dooley. He made his musical theatre debut in 2010 when he starred in the Aldwych Theatre production of Dirty Dancing The Musical opposite So You Think You Can Dance winner Charlie Bruce. 

 

Further casting for The Wedding Singer will be announced in due course

Aimie Atkinson and Danny Mac to star in Pretty Woman Musical

Pretty Woman: The Musical will star Aimie Atkinson and Danny Mac when it plays in the West End at the Piccadilly Theatre from 13th  February 2020.

Atkinson will play Vivian – the role originated in the film by Julia Roberts – and Mac will play Edward  - the Richard Gere role. Full casting for the show will be announced soon.  You can see a video of the two leads here

Aimie Atkinson was in the original West End cast of the hit musical Six at the Arts Theatre and was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance. Her other credits include Daniela in In the Heights at King's Cross Theatre, Serena in Legally Blonde at Kilworth House and Chloe in Never Forget - The Take That Musical and Luisa in Zorro The Musical, both on national tour. Aimie is also the winner of the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Voice of Musical Theatre Award.

Danny Mac can currently be seen as Bob Wallace in White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre in the West End. His many other theatre credits include Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard and Nino in Amelie, both on national tour, Gabey in On The Town at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre and the West End productions of Wicked and Legally Blonde. Danny captured the nation's hearts and received overwhelming support during his incredible time on BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing, making it all the way to the final.

Producer Paula Wagner said today After an extensive search, we have found our ideal Vivian and Edward! Producer Paula Wagner said today “After an extensive search, we have found our ideal Vivian and Edward! Their talent and undeniable charisma will take Pretty Woman: The Musical to new iconic heights. When I met Aimie, I was completely captivated by her wit, warmth and dynamic presence.  Danny, has all the great qualities of a leading man and will make the perfect Edward. I can’t wait to see these two power-house talents together on stage.

The show will be directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde). He  commented on the West End casting: "When I first saw Aimie I knew I wanted to work with her. Her star quality, attack and voice in Six leapt off the stage. I have wanted to work with the very talented Danny Mac for ages. His voice is perfectly suited for Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance's romantic score. Together, Aimie and Danny will make the West End production of Pretty Woman: The Musical sizzle, and with them we'll all be falling in love again with Garry Marshall and J F Lawton's romantic story."

The Sound of Music 2020 tour cast announced

Full casting has been announced for the upcoming tour of The Sound of Music, which kicks off in Dublin in January 2020.

Emilie Fleming (Dorothy in Over the Rainbow) will play Maria, with Andrew Lancel reprising his role as Captain von Trapp.

Welsh soprano Megan Llewellyn will play the role of Mother Abbess and will be joined by Howard Samuels (Max), Michael Anderson (Rolf), Nicole Farrar (Liesl), Alex Evans (Herr Zeller) Zoe Ann Brown (Sister Margaretta), Georgina Hagen (Sister Berthe), Katie Shearman (Sister Sophia), Sophie Christine (Ursula), Olivia Alexander (Baroness Elberfeld), Jon de Ville (Franz), Wendy-Lee Purdy (Frau Schmidt), Paul Lavers (Admiral von Schreiber) and Sam Tithecott (Baron Elberfeld).

The production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's show is directed by Martin Connor and choreographed by Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer, with design by Gary McCann, lighting by Nick Richings, sound by Dan Samson and musical direction by Jeremy Wootton.

More star names added to guests at Barricade Boys Christmas Cabaret at The Other Palace

More  guest stars have been announced for The Barricade Boys' concerts at The Other Palace which run from Tuesday 10th- Saturday 28th December, with tickets now on sale .

Samantha Barks (17th December), Camilla Kerslake (16th December), Alice Fearn (23rd December), Nadim Naaman (27th December) and Kieran Brown (28th December matinee) will all appear during the show's festive run, joining the  boy band of Simon Schofield, Dougie Carter, Lee Honey Jones and George Tebbutt performing songs from famous musicals, as well as festive favourites. Joel Montague will guest star on 19th December (matinee), Zoe Rainey on 11th December, Amy Lennox on 20th December, Oliver Ormson on 13th December, Neil McDermott on 18th December, Oliver Savile (date tbc) and Emma Kingston on 14th December (evening).

Alexandra Burke to star in new tour of My Best Friends Wedding

Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce the world premiere of MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL opening at Plymouth Theatre Royal on 16th September 2020 ahead of a UK and Ireland tour  with tickets to go on sale soon   The show will star Alexandra Burke as Julianne Potter with further casting to be announced soon. 

MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING is based on the wickedly funny film of the same name and features some of the most iconic pop anthems ever written by the legendary Burt Bacharach and Hal David, including I’ll Never Fall in Love Again, I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself, Walk on By, I Say A Little Prayer and What’s New Pussycat.

The musical will have a book by Ronald Bass (My Best Friend’s Wedding, Rain Man, The Joy Luck Club) and Jonathan Harvey (Beautiful Thing, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Coronation Street).

Alexandra Burke can currently be seen in the role of Rachel Marron in the hit musical The Bodyguard having played the role to critical and audience acclaim in both the West End and the subsequent sell out 2015/2016 tour. She first rose to fame after winning the fifth series of The X Factor and her debut number one single Hallelujah sold over one million copies in the UK, a first for a British female soloist. She most recently appeared as Svetlana in Chess at the London Coliseum and as Roxie in Chicago at the West End’s Phoenix Theatre. In 2017 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.

Fiery food critic Julianne Potter has always turned her nose up at romance. It’s the reason she broke up with her sweetheart Michael O’Neal.  When she hears he’s about to be married, she vows to win him back for good, but with perfect Kimmy in the way, it’s not as easy as she first thought. Can she derail her best friend’s wedding in time and keep Michael all for herself?


MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh. It has a book by Ronald Bass and Jonathan Harvey and is based on the Tristar Pictures Film, screenplay by Ronald Bass. It Features the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

Kinks Sunny Afternoon Musical to tour next year

Sunny Afternoon, the musical based on the music of The Kinks , will embark on a new tour in 2020, opening  in Manchester on 7 August 2020, before going on to visit Bristol, Milton Keynes, Hull, Eastbourne, Sunderland, Blackpool, Brighton, Southend, Stoke, Southampton Bradford, Edinburgh, Wimbledon and Birmingham with further dates are to be announced.

The show first opened at the Hampstead Theatre before transferring to the West End in 2014, where it ran for two years ahead of a tour in 2016. It is based on the early life of The Kinks' Ray Davies, the Olivier Award-winning musical features songs including "You Really Got Me", "Waterloo Sunset", "All Day and All of the Night" and "Lola".

Producer Sonia Friedman said today, "I've loved this musical from the moment Ray Davies, Joe Penhall, Ed Hall and I started to develop it several years ago and am incredibly excited and proud that we are bringing back our joyous and celebratory Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical....I've missed it in my life."

SUNNY AFTERNOON has music and lyrics by Ray Davies with a book by Joe Penhall and original story by Ray Davies. It is directed by Edward Hall and designed by Miriam Buether with choreography by Adam Cooper. Design is by Rick Fisher with sound design by Matt McKenzie. Musical and vocal adaptations are by Ray Davies and Elliott Ware based on original Kinks’ recordings.

Casting for the tour is to be announced, with tickets on salelater this week.

Be More Chill casting announced

Casting has been announced for the UK premiere of Be More Chill which runs at The Other Palace from 12th February to 3rd  May 2020.

Featuring a Tony-nominated score by Joe Iconis, a book by Joe Tracz and inspired by the novel by Ned Vizzini, the show follows a teen who takes a pill to become more popular. It became a huge cult sensation following millions of plays online after an initial production in 2015.

The musical, which ran on Broadway earlier this year, will be staged in a new production by director Stephen Brackett, choreographer Chase Brock, set designer Beowulf Boritt, costume designer Bobby Frederick Tilley, lighting designer Tyler Micoleau, sound designer Ryan Rumery and projection designer Alex Basco Koch wih m usical supervision and orchestrations are by Charlie Rosen.

 

The leads roles of Jeremy Heere will be played by Scott Folan (Mother of Him) and Michael Mell by Blake Patrick Anderson (Closer to Heaven). They will be joined by two former stars of Six the Musical Renee Lamb and Millie O'Connell.

Joining them are Miracle Chance as Christine Canigula, Stewart Clarke as The Squip, Eloise Davies as Brooke Lohst, James Hameed as Rich Goranski, Miles Paloma as Jake Dillinger, Christopher Fry as Mr Heere and Mr Reyes and Eve Norris (swing). Further company members are syill to be announced.

Buy tickets for Be More Chill

Lucie Jones, Ramin Karimloo and Jac Yarrow starring in The Secret Garden concerts

Concert performances of The Secret Garden will run on Saturday 4th  April at 3:00 pm and 7.30pm at the London Palladium starring Lucie Jones as the chambermaid Martha  Ramin Karimloo as Archibald Craven and Jac Yarrow as Dickon.

The production is adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett's Victorian classic novel by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon. The performances will be directed by Nick Winston with more cast and creative team to be announced in due course.

Lucie Jones is currently starring as Jenna in Waitress (Adelphi Theatre). Her previous theatre credits include A Christmas Carol (Lyceum Theatre), Girlfriends (Bishopsgate Institute), Legally Blonde, The Wedding Singer (UK tour), RENT The Musical (The Other Palace, UK tour), American Psycho (Almeida Theatre), We Will Rock You, Ghost: The Musical (international tours), The Prodigals (Edinburgh Festival Fringe), and Les Miserables (Queen's Theatre).

Ramin Karimloo's previous concert credits for Lambert Jackson Productions include Dr Zhivago (Cadogan Hall). His other theatre credits include Chess in Concert (Umeda Arts Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert, Evita (Theatre Orb Tokyo), Chess (The Kennedy Centre), Anastasia (Broadhurst Theatre, Broadway), Murder Ballad (Arts Theatre), Les Miserables (Imperial Theatre, Broadway - for which he was nominated for the 2014 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical; Princess of Wales Theatre, Queens Theatre, Palace Theatre), The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary (Royal Albert Hall), Love Never Dies (Adelphi Theatre - for which he was nominated for the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical), Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert (O2 Arena), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre), and Miss Saigon (UK tour).

Jac Yarrow's theatre credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (The London Palladium - for which he won the 2019 The Stage Debut Award and was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical, and will reprise the role in 2020), and Rogers + Hammerstein's Cinderella In Concert (Cadogan Hall).

Nick Winston's previous credits as director and choreographer include Mame (Hope Mill Theatre), Cats (Kilworth House Theatre), Club Tropicana (UK tour), An American In Paris (National Theatre, Linz), Rock of Ages (UK and international Tour), Fame (UK & European Tour), Guys & Dolls (Kilworth House Theatre), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Curve Theatre), The Wedding Singer (UK tour / Korea), Bugsy Malone (Curve Theatre), Flashmob (Sadler Wells and UK tour), and Tomorrow Morning (New End Theatre). His credits for television include director and choreographer of The Royal Variety Performance 2017, and choreographer of Sondheim at 80 and Shakespeare Live! from the RSC.

BUY TICKETS FOR THE SECRET GARDEN

Breaking news: Samantha Barks to play Elsa in Frozen London which will have a new duet added to score

Breaking news this morning is that Pretty Woman and Les Miserables star Samantha Barks will play Elsa in Disney's FROZEN when it opens in London's Drury Lane Theatre  next October.

It has also been announced that a brand-new duet titled, "I Can't Lose You"  between sisters Anna and Elsa and will make its debut on the national tour at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre before being added to the score of the West End production. According to director Michael Grandage, more 'bespoke' changes are on the way for the show's West End mounting.
 

The iconic role of Elsa, the snow queen of Arendelle, was originated by Idina Menzel in the film and later reimagined by Caissie Levy in the Broadway production.The UK production team are to meet again in late January to hold final auditions for the co-starring role of Elsa's sister, Anna.

Barks recently completed a run as Vivian in the Broadway adaptation of the classic comedy, Pretty Woman. She garnered rave reviews and acclaim for her performance as Éponine in Universal's film adaptation of Les Misérables, directed by Tom Hooper starring alongside Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, and Anne Hathaway.


The production will reopen the newly refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with previews commencing in October 2020. With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and book by Jennifer Lee, Frozen - directed by Michael Grandage - opens for priority booking late January 2020, with general on sale on 6 March 2020. Groups and schools booking opens on 24 February 2020.

New cast announced for extended run of Soho Cinders

Soho Cinders, a deliciously naughty satirical twist on the Cinderella fairy tale by multi award-winning Stiles and Drewe  and Elliot Davis, will run at Charing Cross Theatre from 24th  October to 11th January 2020. (extended  from 23 December 2019)

When impoverished student Robbie (Michael Mather) becomes romantically involved with engaged London Mayoral candidate James Prince (Lewis Asquith), his lap-dancing step-sisters become the least of his problems! James and Robbie’s worlds collide forcing them to fight for their own fairy-tale ending. Celebrating London’s most colourful district and mixing politics, sex-scandals and true love,

Michael Mather and Livvy Evans are to lead the extension cast of Soho Cinders at Charing Cross Theatre.

Michael Mather (Hades in the world premiere of ‘Mythic’ at Charing Cross Theatre, Jimmy in ‘Flashdance’) will step into Robbie’s “Glass Slippers” alongside Livvy Evans (‘Motown’, ‘Ghost’, ‘Sister Act’) as Velcro when the show extends from 23 December 2019 to 11 January 2020.

Another addition to the cast and taking over the role of William George is Dayle Hodge (‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, ‘Jersey Boys’, ‘Les Misérables’). He joins the previously announced Hollie Taylor (‘Matilda’, ‘Betty Blue Eyes’, ‘Oliver!’) who performed her first show as Dana earlier this week.

Continuing in their roles will be Tori Hargreaves as Marilyn Platt, Lewis Asquith as James Prince and Michaela Stern as Clodagh. The role of Lord Bellingham is still to be announced.

New to the ensemble will be Liam McHugh (‘Saturday Night Fever’, ‘We Will Rock You’) who joins Melissa Rose, Luke Byrne, Savannah Reed, Thomas Ball, Laura Fulgenzi and Jade Bailey who will all remain with the show until the end of its extended run.
 

Tickets for the limited extension run of Soho Cinders are available now!

New London cast for Everybody's Talking About Jamie

A new cast for Everybody's Talking About Jamie has been announced for the West End where it is currently booking at the Apollo Theatre until 29th August 2020.

Joining the previously announced Noah Thomas from 6th  January 2020 will be Hiba Elchikhe, making her West End debut playing the role of Pritti Pasha, David O'Reilly in the role of Laika Virgin, Leon Craig as Sandra Bollock and Jordan Ricketts also makes his West End debut playing Dean.

Other new  cast members joining  them include Zion Battles (Levi), Keenan Knight (Sayid), Ebony Clarke (Swing/Dance Captain), Joe Wolstenholme (Swing) and Brian James Leys (Understudy).

Continuing with the show are current cast members: Melissa Jacques (Margaret New), Preeya Kalidas (Miss Hedge), Sejal Keshwala (Ray), Roy Haylock/Bianca Del Rio (Hugo/Loco Chanelle), James Gillan (Tray Sophisticay), Marlon G. Day (Dad), Alexander Archer (Mickey), Zahra Jones (Becca), Emily Kenwright (Vicki), Jordan Laviniere (Cy),  Harriet Payne (Bex), Tilly La Belle Yengo (Fatimah), Marvyn Charles (Swing), Rachel Seirian (Swing) and Gillian Ford (Understudy).

 
The hit show is also due to go on en extensive  UK tour opening in Sheffield next February. 

Broadway's Laura Osnes, Susan Egan and Courtney Reed starring in Broadway Princess Party

Broadway’s original Cinderella, Belle, and Jasmine star in this hit Broadway Princess  Party concert, direct from NYC Two-time Tony-nominee Laura Osnes (Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella), Tony-nominee Susan Egan (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and voice of ‘Meg’ in Hercules), and Grammy-nominee Courtney Reed (Disney’s Aladdin) host the festivities alongside their Fairy Godfairy (musical director extraordinaire), Benjamin Rauhala (Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof).

On Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May at Leicester Square Theatre Four knockout voices will sing the petticoats off every princess song in the book, sharing hilarious and heartfelt stories of their royal antics backstage, on stage, and beyond! Catch the carriage and embrace the adventure – bring anyone who will be tempted to sing along. (Kids ages 6+ please) 

Tickets for Broasway Princess  Party

Theatre Royal Drury Lane to be renamed

It has just been announced today that the Theatre Royal Drury Lane's name will be shortened to The Lane and form part of a complex of buildings known as "The Lane" ahead of the West End premiere of Disney's Frozen The Musical which opens for previews in October 2020.

The venue has been closed for nearly 11 months with a multi-million-pound refurbishment  now underway. Originally reported to cost £45 million, the ambitious 20-month-long renovation project has now been estimated to cost about £60 million.In addition to the new name, the renovation works will mean more comfort for theatregoers.

Originally having a capacity of 2,196 seats, the theatre's seating will now be reduced by about 200 in order to provide wider seats with better visibility and more legroom. Once the project is complete, there will be the option of having an in-the-round or proscenium arch configuration. The Lane will also offer new cafes, restaurants, and bars  accessible for both theatregoers and non-theatre attendees.

Magic Mike Live extends booking to June 2020

Due to continuing high ticket demand and overwhelming success in London, the booking period for Magic Mike Live has been extended to 28 June 2020. Also  due to the high demand on weekends, the show schedule will change to accommodate more patrons. 

This comes as the show celebrates its first birthday in the West End. Tickets for the new booking period go on sale at 10.00am on Wednesday 4 December.

Les Misérables concert to be screened in cinemas later this month.

Following its live broadcast last night from the Gielgud Theatre, it has been announced that the all-star Les Misérables concert will be screened in cinemas later this month.

The hit concert, which features Alfie Boe, Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, John-Owen Jones, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Shan Ako, Rob Houchen and more, will return to the silver screen in over 400 cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December with tickets now on sale.

Cameron Mackintosh has also announced an album and DVD release in early 2020 and that the concert production will tour the UK and overseas later in 2020 and in 2021.

The full production will return to reopen the newly refurbished and renamed Sondheim Theatre (previously the Queen's) on 18th December.

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! to return to London and tour in 2020

New Adventures have just announced that Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!is returning to London for a limited Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells in December 2020.

Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a darkly comic Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland.

The production, featuring the music of Tchaikovsky, was first produced in 1992 and was last seen in 2012, when it celebrated its 20th birthday. Bourne said today: The long-awaited return of New Adventures' Nutcracker! after nine years, is certainly cause for celebration! My very first full-length production dates from 1992 and remains the most singular interpretation of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, back in 2020 to delight a new generation of theatre and dance fans. Featuring the extraordinary designs of Anthony Ward and a cast of beloved characters that are unique to this version of the classic Hoffmann tale. It's time to say hello again to the yobby Gobstopper Boys, the cheeky Marshmallow Girls, the seductive Knickerbocker Glory and the flamenco stylings of The Liquorice Allsorts in the Kingdom of Sweetieland presided over by King Sherbert and Queen Candy! I'm thrilled to showcase a new generation of New Adventures stars in this now classic show that holds a very special place in our Company's history and in the hearts of our audiences.

Tickets for Sadlers Wells go on sale on 10th February , with a UK tour being announced in January 2020 (with tickets on sale in February 2020).

Samantha Barks, Luke Bayer, T'Shan Williams, Jodie Steele, Louise Dearman and Tyrone Huntley Christmas Concerts at Turbine

The Turbine Theatre has just announced a series of Christmas concerts featuring Samantha Barks, T'Shan Williams and Tyrone Huntley.

The one-off events will run from 8th-22nd December at the  venue managed by artistic director Paul Taylor-Mills. The Turbine Theatre is currently playing High Fidelity until 7th December, before the Dr Seuss' The Cat in the Hat which will run from 11th December -11th January.

On 8th December Luke Bayer (Everyone's Talking About Jamie, Soho Cinders) and Natalie Paris (Six) showcase a selection of film favourites.

On 16th December, Samantha Barks (Les Misérables, Pretty Woman) performs songs from her previous shows while sharing stories about her career to date.

On the morning of 19th December, T'Shan Williams (The Life), Jodie Steele (Rock Of Ages) and Sophie Issacs (Cruel Intentions) will reunite for a workshop focusing numbers from Heathers the Musical, as well as discussing their experiences of being involved in the show.

On 20th  December, Side Show stars Louise Dearman (Wicked) and Laura Pitt-Pulford (Falsettos) will perform shows from the musical in a one-off evening with Taylor-Mills.

On 22nd  December Tyrone  Huntley (Jesus Chris Superstar, Memphis) will conclude the concert series with songs from his career to date.

Other events include a burlesque and cabaret night with Rumour Mill on 12th December, a show with singing teacher Matthew Shaw on 13th December and the stars of the London production of In The Heights – Carnaval del Barrio – in concert on 15th  December.

Paul Taylor-Mills commented, "I'm over the moon that we are marking our first Christmas at the Turbine with a series of special one off events. These events will compliment our main Christmas offering which is the family favourite, The Cat in the Hat. I'm going to be joined by some of the most incredible artists who have informed my career to date and to have them with us at The Turbine for our first Christmas is a real honour."

Christmas Shows and Pantos Listing of West End and musical theatre stars

Christmas Shows and Pantos Listing of  West End and musical theatre stars including Gareth Gates, Lee Mead, David Essex, Duncan James, JoeMcElderry and Brian Conley listing where they are apearing in Christmas Shows and pantos in 2019/2020.

Girls Aloud member Nicola Roberts cast in City of Angels

Former Girls Aloud member  Nicola Roberts is to make her West End stage debut in a revival of the musical City of Angels  playing  two roles -  young cinema starlet Avril as well as Mallory, who is a character in the film. Roberts said “I think one of the great things about City of Angels is that I get to cut my teeth on something so critically acclaimed and to work with Josie who is just so passionate, someone who I’m hugely inspired by. The character of Mallory just fits and it works for me.I feel like Mallory is almost second nature because of being in a girl group but I think the second part is slightly different, so it is a bit of a head-twister.”

Josie Rourke, said:"It's exciting to add another dynamite voice, and stellar presence to this revival of City of Angels. Nicola is an exceptional talent, who brings wit and intelligence to the role and the production. Although she's no stranger to the stage, I'm honoured to be the director for her West-End debut."

City of Angels is  inspired by the glamorous world of post-war Hollywood and gritty film noirs, it brings to life a Forties Los Angeles inhabited by hard-drinking private eyes and wise-cracking femme fatales.It weaves together two worlds — one of a writer trying to turn his book into a screenplay and another made up of black and white scenes taken from the film he is writing. The musical is directed by former Donmar Warehouse boss Josie Rourke and is a revival of one of the first shows she put on while in charge at the Covent Garden venue.

She joins previously announced cast members including Rosalie Craig and Desperate Housewives star Vanessa Williams in the show at the Garrick Theatre, which runs from March 5th to September 5th next year.

Carolyn Maitland, Dave Willetts and Sam Attwater to lead cast of Rags Musical at the Park Theatre

It has just been announced that Carolyn Maitland, Dave Willetts and Sam Attwater will star in Rags the Musical at the Park Theatre, from 9th January-8th February, with a press night on 14th January. Rags has lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and music by Charles Strouse (Annie).

They  will play Rebecca, Avram and Bronfman  in the Hope Mill Theatre production as it transfers to London. The show also features Debbie Chazen as Anna, Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Sal, Rachel Izen as Rachel, Samuel Jones and Jude Muir as David, Martha Kirby as Bella, Oisin Nolan-Power as Ben and Jeremy Rose as Jack. Completing the cast are Arthur Boan, Angela Caesar, Adam Crossley, Drew Dillon, Matthew Gent and Natasha Karp.

Rags tells the story of Russian immigrant Rebecca who travels with her son David to America, where she's faced with the difficult decision of either adopting a new identity or staying true to her roots. It has an original  book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof) revised by David Thompson,

The Hope Mill revival, which opened in Manchester in March 2019, is directed by Bronagh Lagan with musical direction by Joe Bunker, orchestrations by Nick Barstow, choreography by Philip Michael Thomas, set and costume design by Gregor Donnelly, lighting design by Derek Anderson, sound design by James Nicholson, casting by Jane Deitch and children's casting by Keston and Keston.

Buy tickets for Rags the musical at the Park Theatre