New production of 42nd Street just announced

David Ian for Crossroads Live UK and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions have just announced  the Curve and Sadler’s Wells production of the musical 42nd STREET, opening at Curve, Leicester on Wednesday 17 May 2023 until Saturday 3 June 2023, followed by a season at Sadler’s Wells from Wednesday 7 June  to Sunday 2 July 2023 ahead of a  UK tour with dates to be announced soon.

This new production will be directed by Jonathan Church (Singin’ in the Rain, The Drifters Girl) with choreography and design by Olivier Award winners Bill Deamer and Rob Jones. Casting and the full creative team will be announced in due course.

Fresh off the bus from small-town America, young and beautiful Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City dreaming of her name in lights. She quickly catches the eye of a big-time director and lands a spot in the chorus line of Broadway’s newest show…and when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy gets her shot at stardom.This  song-and-dance spectacular features a hit parade of toe-tapping songs, including the title number, “We’re In The Money”, “Lullaby of Broadway”, “Shuffle Off To Buffalo” and “I Only Have Eyes For You”. 42nd STREET is a timeless and inspiring showbiz fairy tale that combines breath-taking tap dance routines, backstage intrigue, classic romance and delightful comedy to dazzling effect.

42nd STREET has music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, based on the novel by Bradford Ropes. Original direction and dances were by Gower Champion. The show was originally produced on Broadway by David Merrick.

 

Matilda new cast members

The RSC has announced  new cast members for its West End production of Matilda the Musical from 13th September.

Lauren Byrne (Six) will play Miss Honey, while  Rakesh Boury (Man of La Mancha) and Amy Ellen Richardson (Everyone's Talking About Jamie) will join the company to play Mr and Mrs Wormwood. Remaining in the principal cast are Elliot Harper (as Miss Trunchbull) and Landi Oshinowo (as Mrs Phelps).Victoria Alsina, Laurel Sumberg and Heidi Williams will join Maisie Mardle to share the title role.

New additions to the adult ensemble include Felipe Bejarano, Angeline Bell, Oliver Bingham, Thea Bunting, Michael Gardiner, Aaron Jenkins, Sam Lathwood, Dianté Lodge, Kira McPherson, Alistair So and James Wolstenholme, who join Liberty Buckland, Kate Kenrick, Connor Lewis and Gemma Scholes.

Newly announced child performers include Mia Atkinson, Leo Babet, Florence Burt, Poppy Caton, Zuri-Michel Charalambou, Brodie Edwards, Jude Farrant, Riotafari Gardner, Finley Hartlett, Lily Hanna, Tia Isaac, Miley Kayongo, Shayla McCormack, Isabelle Mullallay, Jasmine Nyenya, Raphaella Philbert, Jack Philpott, Riley Plummer, Jasmine Pottinger-Scott, Ashton Robertson, Leon Saunders, Andrei Shen-U Shen, Noah Swer-Fox and Lucia Wratten. Kylan Denis will remain with the cast and continue to alternate as Bruce.

 

Ore Oduba and Carrie Hope Fletcher to star in the Sleeping Beauty panto at Canterbury

Carrie Hope Fletcher will be starring as the villainous Carabosse in the Sleeping Beauty pantomime this year alongside Ore Oduba (Rocky Horror Show) as Prince Orlando at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from 25 November 2022 to 8 January 2023. It is written and directed by Paul Hendy and co-produced by The Marlowe and Evolution Productions,

The cast also includes  Jennie Dale (CBeebies' Swashbuckle) as Fairy Moonbeam, Ben Roddy (Doctor Faustus) as The Dame, Max Fulham (CBBC's Crackerjack) as Jangles and Ellie Kingdon (Grease) as Aurora.

Fletcher said: "I'm so excited. I didn't see a panto until I was 19, that was my first experience of panto. I love it so much. I love how out there they are, I love that they use songs that everyone knows, I love all of the outlandish characters and I love the audience participation.The fact that I was asked to play the villain was a very, very big draw for me. Wednesday Addams was probably the closest I ever got to playing a villain and I really enjoyed playing a slightly darker character and so just playing an outright villain is going to be so much fun. I don't think I've ever looked forward to being booed before!"

Oduba added: "In many ways I feel like I was made for panto because I love having that rapport with the audience, I'm a family guy myself and I love the idea of families coming to see the show. I know that everybody loves The Marlowe panto. It's such a popular experience for everybody around Christmas so I feel really privileged and lucky to be part of this amazing group and part of the show. We're going to have fun."

Cast announced for Mrs Doubtfire Musical

The musical version of the hit film Mrs Doubtfire is due to open at Manchester Opera House on Friday 2 September 2022, with a strictly limited season  until Saturday 1 October. It was first seen in 2019 in Seattle, where it ended up breaking the record for bestselling new musical in the history of The 5th Avenue Theatre.

 

Mrs. Doubtfire the musical will introduce comic actor Gabriel Vick (Avenue Q) as Daniel Hillard, with Laura Tebbutt (School of Rock) as Miranda Hillard, Carla Dixon Hernandez (Matilda the Musical) as Lydia Hillard, Cameron Blakely (The Addams Family) as Frank Hillard, Marcus Collins (The X Factor) as Andre, Dominic Andersen (Heathers) as Stuart, Vanessa Fisher (Legally Blonde) as Wanda Sellner, Ian Talbot OBE (Hairspray, and Director of The Mousetrap) as Mr. Jolly and Aiesha Naomi Pease (Sister Act) as Janet Lundy.

The role of Christopher Hillard will alternate between young performers George Nearn Stuart, Charlie Tumbridge and Fred Wilcox, and the role of Natalie Hillard will alternate between Jessica Bowerman, Darcey Dean and Angelica Pearl Scott.

The full cast will include Aidan O'Neill, Joshua Dever, Samuel Wilson Freeman, Maria Garrett, Kiera Haynes, AJ Lewis, Adam Lyons, Lisa Mathieson, Ellie Mitchell, Matt Overfield, Tom Scanlon, Vicki Lee Taylor and Rebecca Donnelly, Effie Rae Dyson, Amy Everett, Travis Ross and Paulo Teixeira.

Mrs Doubtfire is is currently playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on Broadway, directed by Tony Award-winner Jerry Zaks . The musical is based on the Twentieth Century Studios comedy movie starring Robin Williams following out-of-work actor Daniel will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father.

The show has been written by Wayne Kirkpatrick, Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell with a creative team including scenic designer David Korins (Hamilton), choreographer Lorin Latarro (Waitress), and music supervisor Ethan Popp (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical). Casting is still to be announced

Producers Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson said: "We are thrilled to announce that Mrs Doubtfire will make its UK premiere next year. Manchester is one of the great cities of theatre, and we can't wait to bring Mrs Doubtfire to the Opera House. We hope audiences will take this hilarious and touching show to their hearts, and promise a great evening for everyone!" 

Tickets now on sale for Mrs Doubtfire

SIMON LIPKIN & GEORGINA CASTLE LEADING CAST IN ELF - THE MUSICAL

Simon Lipkin and Georgina Castle will lead the revival of Elf - The Musical playing the much loved characters Buddy and Jovie. 

The musical returns to London in a new production at the Dominion Theatre for a strictly limited 8-week season running from 14th November 2022 - 7th January 2023.

Simon Lipkin´s numerous musical theatre credits include  Brian in Brian & Roger (Menier Chocolate Factory), Mr Poppy in Nativity! (Eventim Apollo), Ratty in The Wind In The Willows (West End), Whisper House (Other Palace), Jason Robert Brown’s Honeymoon In Las Vegas (West End), Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls (West End), Bill Sykes in Oliver! (Grange Park Opera), Lou Lubowitz in Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre), The Lorax in The Lorax (Old Vic Theatre), The Proprietor in Assassins (Menier Chocolate Factory), Martin in All In A Row (Southwark Playhouse) Touchstone in As You Like It (Southwark Playhouse), Barlow in I Can’t Sing (West End), Lonny in Rock Of Ages (West End), Galahad in Spamalot (Original UK Tour), Nicky and Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q (West End), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (West End), The Wedding Singer (Original UK Cast), Willard in Footloose (UK Tour), A Christmas Carol (West End), Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (West End), Alice In Wonderland (Nuffield Theatre), Austentatious (The Landor), News Revue (Canal Café) and Leopold in Never The Sinner at the Kenneth Moore Theatre.

Georgina Castle played  Marie in ALW’s Cinderella (Gillian Lynne Theatre), Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5: The Musical (Savoy Theatre), Charlotte Skelton in Twist and Turn (The Other Palace), Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre), Lisa Houseman in Dirty Dancing (UK Tour), Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5: The Musical (UK & Ireland Tour), Euydice in Antigone (Belsize Arts Festival)

Based on the iconic 2003 feature film starring Will Ferrell, the piece  is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit… and knows he’ll never belong. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the Naughty List). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!

 

Melody Thornton to play Rachel Marron in new UK and Ireland tour of The Bodyguard

Producers Michael Harrison and David Ian have just announced that the new award-winning international smash hit tour of  the musical THE BODYGUARD will star former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton touring  the UK and Ireland opening at Glasgow King’s Theatre on Saturday 28 January 2023 with further casting news to follow.

Selling over 70 million albums as a member of one of the most celebrated girl groups of all time, The Pussycat Dolls, Melody Thornton is a multi-platinum Grammy-nominated artist. In 2020 she released her much-lauded debut solo EP, Lioness Eyes. Melody received rave reviews and audience acclaim for her performance as Rachel Marron when The Bodyguard toured China for six months. In 2018 she reached the final five in ITV’s Dancing On Ice.

Principal casting including Jay McGuinness and Lorna Luft announced for new tour of White Christmas

Jamie Wilson, Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Kevin McCollum have announced the principal casting for the Curve’s production of Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS touring the UK this winter. The production will star Jay McGuiness as Bob Wallace, Lorna Luft as Martha Watson, Michael Starke as General Waverly and Dan Burton, Jessica Daley and Monique Young returning in their roles as Phil Davis, Betty Haynes and Judy Haynes respectively.

WHITE CHRISTMAS opens at the Truro Hall for Cornwall in November before visiting Nottingham Theatre Royal , Sunderland Empire, and Liverpool Empire with tickets now on sale. More dates and full casting for the tour to e announced in due course.

Jay McGuiness’ theatre credits include Josh Baskin in Big The Musical at the Dominion Theatre and Rip It Up at the Garrick Theatre, both in London’s West End. He also starred as Sam in new musical Sleepless – A Musical Romance at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Jay is best known as a member of boyband The Wanted, as well as winning BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2015.

 Lorna Luft is an iconic star of stage and screen. Her credits include the role of Fran Kubelik in the original Broadway production of Promises, Promises, and the original Off-Broadway production of Snoopy! as Peppermint Patty. Lorna previously played the role of Martha Watson in the 2016 US tour of White Christmas. Her film credits include Grease 2, Where The Boys Are, 54 and My Giant.

Michael Starke most recently appeared in the UK and Ireland tour of Waitress as Old Joe. Further theatre credits include the role of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, Monsignor Howard in Sister Act, and the Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show, all part of national tours. Michael is best known for his role as Thomas 'Sinbad' Sweeney in Channel 4’s Brookside, which he played for 16 years.

Dan Burton reprises his role as Phil Davis, a part he played in this production of White Christmas on tour, at the Dominion Theatre in London’s West End and at Curve, Leicester. He was nominated for an Olivier Award for his performance as Tulsa in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre and his other West End credits include Jersey Boys, The Pajama Game, Chicago, Legally Blonde, Betty Blue Eyes and Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall.

Jessica Daley returns to the role of Betty Haynes, having previously toured with this production of White Christmas. Her additional theatre credits include the UK and Ireland tours of An Officer and a Gentleman and The Sound of Music, the international tours of Evita, Les Misérables and Grease The Musical and Mamma Mia! in the West End.

 Monique Young reprises her role as Judy Haynes, a part she initially played in this production of White Christmas at Curve, Leicester. Most recently Monique appeared as Louise in the Buxton Opera House revival of Gypsy: A Musical Fable. Her further theatre credits include cover Winifred Banks and the title role in Mary Poppins in the West End, Penny Pingleton in the UK tour of Hairspray, alternate Dale in the UK tour of Top Hat, and Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street and Kathy Seldon in Singin’ In The Rain both at the Theatre Du Chatelet.

WHITE CHRISTMAS features the beloved songs “Blue Skies”, “Sisters”, “I Love A Piano”, “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)” and the most famous festive song of all… “White Christmas”.

It  has Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin and a Book by David Ives and Paul Blake. It is based on the original production by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Annie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s). It is directed by Ian Talbot OBE (High Society, Anything Goes) and choreographed by two-time Olivier Award-winning choreographer Stephen Mear CBE (Mary Poppins, Gypsy). Set Design is by Michael Taylor and Costume Design is by Diego Pitarch. Musical Supervision is by Stephen Brooker, Lighting Design by Mark Henderson and Sound Design by Tom Marshall. Orchestrations are by Larry Blank with New Musical arrangements by Jason Carr.

 

Les Dennis to join the cast of Only Fools and Horses The Musical

Comedian and actor Les Dennis is to  join the cast of Only Fools and Horses The Musical at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 3rd October, starring as Grandad. The show is also extending its run for a further three months, until 7th January 2022.

Based on John Sullivan's much-loved sitcom, the show is written by John's son, Jim Sullivan, and  Paul Whitehouse (who originated Grandad in the show).

Les Dennis said: "Jim Sullivan and Paul Whitehouse have written a wonderful show that beautifully recreates that feel-good era of British comedy. I can't wait to join the hugely talented cast and be a part of it. Lovely jubbly!"

Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, the show also stars Tom Bennett as Del Boy and Ryan Hutton as Rodney featuring Ashleigh Gray as Raquel; Nicola Munns as Marlene and Cassandra; Craig Berry plays Boycie; Lee VG as Trigger; Adrian Irvine as Denzil; Danny Bayne plays Mickey Pearce and Danny Driscoll; Andrew Bryant as Mike The Barman and Tony Driscoll.

Completing the company are Christopher Arkeston, Marion Campbell, Wesley Charles, Leanne Garretty, Ian Gareth Jones, Chris Kiely (also resident Director), Danny Lane, Andy Mace, Melanie Marshall, Gemma McLean, Darry Paul and Mark Pearce.

 

New tour of The King and I set for 2023

The critically acclaimed Lincoln Center production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King & I  directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher (My Fair Lady) will embark on a new UK tour in 2023

The previous tour was cut short due to the global pandemic but the new dates announced so far, are New Wimbledon Theatre (14th – 18th Feb 2023), Liverpool Empire (21st – 25th Feb ),  Birmingham Alexandra,  (28th Feb – 4th Mar) and Bristol Hippodrome (28th March-1 April) with more dates to follow as well as casting news.

The greatest musical from the golden age of musicals with one of the finest scores ever written including; Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You, and Shall We Dance, and featuring a company of over 50 world-class performers and a full-scale orchestra.

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Unofficial Bridgerton musical concert announced for September

The UK premiere of The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical – Live in Concert has been announced for the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday 20th September 2022 when Grammy award winning singer-songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear will be joined by the BBC Concert Orchestra and special guests for the concert.

Inspired by the Netflix hit series, Barlow and Bear created the musical initially for TikTok, writing and performing 15 songs in six weeks.

The full album went on to win the 2021 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. In doing so, they also became the youngest winners in the category's history and were the only two female nominees of 28 total nominees in the category that year.

They said of the concert: "When we began this journey, we had no idea how much this music would resonate with so many people. Being able to perform our work at such an iconic venue is a dream come true, and we can't wait to see you all there."

Tickets will go on general sale at 10.00 am on Thursday 14th July 2022.

 

Cast announced for next Blood Brothers Tour

Cast members for the new 2022 tour of Willy Russell´s Blood Brothers musical are former X Factor finalist Niki Colwell Evans returning to the role of Mrs Johnstone (having previously played the part in the West End) with Richard Munday as the Narrator, Sean Jones as Mickey, Jay Worley as Eddie, Paula Tappenden as Mrs Lyons, Tim Churchill as Mr Lyons, Carly Burns as Linda, Timothy Lucas as Sammy, Grace Galloway as Donna Marie/ Miss Jones, Jacob Yolland as Postman / Bus Conductor, Josh Capper as the Neighbour, Melissa Potts as Brenda, Andy Owens as Perkins and Nick Wilkes as Policeman / Teacher.

The tour is set to open  at Theatre Royal Windsor on 28th July, before visiting Belfast, Perth, Milton Keynes, Leeds, Wolverhampton, Sunderland, Stoke, Carlisle, Blackpool, Salford, Liverpool, Dartford, Aylesbury and Cardiff, where it ends its run on 3rd December.

 

Brenda Edwards pulls out of Chicago tour due to injury

Due to a leg injury Brenda Edwards unfortunately will not be returning to the role of Matron “Mama” Morton for the remainder of the Chicago UK tour.

The role will be played by international pop star Sinitta in Norwich and Oxford with the exception of 13th July 2.30pm & 20th July 2.30pm.

 

Ben Joyce to take over as Marty McFly and more cast changes announced for Back to the Future London

With news that Back to the Future Musical is heading for a Broadway opening in 2023, comes the news that after Olly Dobson leaves the show on 15th August, Ben Joyce who played Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys London will take over the role of Marty McFly on the 17th.

Other casting news is that Roger Bart (Desperate Housewives) will remain in the role of Doc Brown. with Will Haswell set to continue as alternate Marty McFly and Dave McFly, while Emma Lloyd will continue as Linda McFly.

New to the cast from the 17th are Amber Davies (9 to 5), who will play Lorraine Baines McFly, while Oliver Nicholas (All Kinds of Limbo) will play George McFly.Jordan Benjamin (Hairspray) will play Goldie Wilson, Harry Jobson (2022 graduate of The Urdang Academy) will play Biff Tannen, Sophie Naglik (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) will play Jennifer Parker and Gary Trainor (School of Rock) will play Principal Strickland.

New to the ensemble will be Simeon Beckett, Sia Dauda, Tyler Davis, Glen Facey, Dylan Gordon-Jones, Adam Margilewski, Bryan Mottram, Anna Murray, Jon Reynolds, Georgia Tapp and Charley Warburton, joining Amy Barker, Cameron McAllister, Alessia McDermott, Laura Mullowney, Melissa Rose, Justin Thomas and Tavio Wright.

Jersey Boys announces new West End Cast

Jersey Boys has just announced new casting for the West End show at the Trafalgar Theatre from 27 July 2022.

Luke Suri, who is currently playing alternate Frankie Valli on the UK and Ireland tour, will make his West End debut as Frankie Valli.

Continuing in the show will be Adam Bailey as Bob Gaudio, Karl James Wilson as Nick Massi and Benjamin Yates as Tommy De Vito.

Other new cast members include Joey Cornish as Joe Pesci, Kevin Fullinick as Barry Belson, Matthew Goodgame as Gyp De Carlo, Danny Knott as swing, Gracie Lai as Lorraine, Carolyn Maitland as Mary Delgado, Rosie Needham as Francine, Tom Oliver as Norm Waxman/Hank Majewski and Joseph Peters as Bob Crewe.They join remaining cast members Elliot Allinson, Jack Campbell, Huon Mackley, Bonnie Page and Andy Smith.

Revival of Annie the Musical to go on a new tour in 2023.

Nikolai Foster's  revival of Annie the musical will embark on a new tour in 2023 opening in Leicester in February.

Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin and Thomas Meehan's  musical follows a young orphan who is adopted by a billionaire, much to the anger of Miss Hannigan her orphanage's owner. It features numbers including  "It's the Hard Knock Life", "Easy Street", "I Don't Need Anything But You" and "Tomorrow".

It will be directed by Curve's artistic director Foster with set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Richard Brooker.

Casting for the show is to be revealed, with tickets on sale from later this month.

Les Misérables extends run and announces new weekly schedule

Les Misérables has extended its run at the Sondheim Theatre to 5th March 2023 with tickets on sale from 11.00 am today.

From 5 October 2022, the show will also start operating on a new show schedule, with performances from that date now set for:

Wednesday at 7.30pm
Thursday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Friday at 7.30pm
Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday at 2.30pm
Monday at 7.30pm

Casting for new tour of the Commitments led by Corrie's Nigel Pivaro

The major new UK and Ireland tour of Roddy Doyle`s smash-hit musical The Commitments will star Coronation Street's Nigel Pivaro who will be performing the role of ‘Da’ in this all-new production. He appeared as the lovable rogue Terry Duckworth (son of Vera and Jack) in the  popular ITV soap between 1983 – 2012 . 

 

Nigel Pivaro said: “I am thrilled to be marking my return to the stage in this production of  The Commitments. It;s an iconic story that resonates across the years, about people who though distant from the musicals origins find communion and expression in the Motown style. A musical genre which was borne out of oppression and which the characters embrace as their own. The Motown Sound is as vibrant today as it was when it first burst through in the Sixties.”

Roddy Doyle added: “I'm delighted that The Commitments are coming back in 2022 and 2023 and I'm looking forward to seeing how Nigel Pivaro tackles the part of Jimmy Rabbitte`s Da.”

Joining the cast as Deco is Olivier Award nominee Ian McIntosh who previously played Alternate Deco during the original West End run. Previous credits include Galileo in the UK tour of We Will Rock You, Sid Worley in An Officer and a Gentleman and he was Olivier nominated for ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Musical’ for his role as Barry in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. His extensive musical career has also seen him perform in Hair and Can’t Buy Me Love.

They are joined by James Killeen as Jimmy, Stuart Reid as Joey, Ciara Mackey as Imelda, Michael Mahony as Oustpan, Ryan Kelly as Billy, Conor Litten as Dean, Guy Freeman as Derek, Stephen O’Riain as James, Ronnie Yorke as Mickah, Eve Kitchingman as Natalie, and Sarah Gardiner as Bernie. Maryann Lynch, Alice Croft, James Deegan, Callum Martin, Joshua Barton, Ed Thorpe and Colm Gleeson make up the ensemble.

This new tour for 2022/23 is directed by Andrew Linnie. Andrew made his West End debut in the originalproduction in 2013, playing the role of Dean, the band’s sax player. He then went on to star in the lead role of Jimmy Rabitte in the 2016/2017 UK tour.