News for 27th May 2024

• The Wild Party – is to be revived in London in a new production helmed by director Dan Herd. The production is set to open EartH Hackney, a 680-capacity venue in Dalston, north London. Originally built in the 1930s as a cinema opening as the Savoy in 1936 and later named the ABC, the Konak and Ace. The last film to be shown at the venue was Scarface in 1984 and the cinema space remained largely untouched until renovation work began. EartH has undergone a restoration process over the past two years and now boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and original Art Deco features. The musical is set in Manhattan and follows Queenie, a vaudeville chorine, who hosts a gathering of jazz and gin-soaked debauchery which leads to a tragedy at dawn. It features music and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa and a book by LaChiusa and George C Wolfe, based on the poem by Joseph Moncure March. Following its premiere on Broadway in 2000, it was nominated for the Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Musical Score.The creative team includes choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento, set and costume designer Sophia Pardon, lighting designer Adam King, sound designer Russell Ditchfield, musical supervisor Ben Goddard-Young, production manager Ian Moore (for the Production Family). Leading the company as Queenie will be Laura Baldwin (Waitress) alongside Simon Anthony (Guys and Dolls) as Burrs, Bobbie Little (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) as Kate, Billy Cullum (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Black, Chumisa Dornford-May (The Addams Family), as Dolores, George Crawford (Disney’s Newsies) as Jackie, Jade Kennedy (Fun Home) as Eddie, Kirsty Foreman (making their professional debut) as Mae, Christian Maynard (Rehab: The Musical) as Phil, Samantha Bingley (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast) as Sally, Kyle Richardson (Disney’s The Lion King) as Oscar, Maddison Bulleyment (42 Balloons) as Nadine, Lillie-Pearl Wildman (Sunset Boulevard) as Madelaine, Ronan Quiniou (The Wizard of Oz) as Gold, Ryan Wolpert (making their professional debut) as Goldberg, Jennifer Louise Jones (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast) as swing and dance captain and Amber Sylvia Edwards (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical) as swing. Produced by DeeHampton Productions Ltd, The Wild Party will run from 12 August to 7 September 2024.
• Britain’s Got Talent – there is a theatre bonanza to celebrate the semi-finals and finals of ITV’s talent show. This week there will be performances from a number of stage shows as the ITV series gears up to crown its 2024 winner. Shows taking part are – The Lion King, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, on Monday; – Mamma Mia! – which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary will perform a medley during the finale; – & Juliet, which is about to embark on a new tour – the show will perform “Roar” on Thursday; – Frozen, with Samantha Barks performing “Let It Go”, alongside Laura Dawkes on Tuesday night. Also performing will be Alesha Dixon and Calum Scott.
• Sister Act – will release a live cast album, recorded at the Dominion Theatre. Based on the hit film, the show follows aspiring musician Deloris Van Cartier whose life takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses a murder. Award-winner Beverley Knight will star in the album, with Ruth Jones as Mother Superior, and the current cast of the show. The album will be recorded over three nights, on Monday 27, Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 May at the Dominion Theatre. It will then be released later this year.
• Oliver! – casting is complete for the new priduction of Oliver! at Chichester Festival Theatre and in the West End. Joining the previously announced Simon Lipkin (Guys and Dolls) as Fagin, Shanay Holmes (Miss Saigon) as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell (Wicked) as Bill Sikes, Billy Jenkins (Dodger) as the Artful Dodger and Philip Franks(The Rocky Horror Show) as Mr Brownlow, are Oscar Conlon-Morrey (Mother Goose) as Mr Bumble, Katy Secombe (The Music Man) as Widow Corney, Stephen Matthews (Strictly Ballroom) as Mr Sowerberry/Dr Grimwig and Jamie Birkett (Peter Pan Goes Wrong) as Mrs Sowerberry/Mrs Bedwin. Forming the young adult cast are Callum Hudson (Noah Claypole), Isabelle Methven (Bet), Lochlan White (Charley Bates) and Harry Cross (Fagin’s Gang). The ensemble members/swings are Rachael Archer, Tegan Bannister, Adam Boardman, Bethany Huckle, Ebony Jonelle, Bethan Keens (Charlotte), Danny Lane, Peter Nash, Josh Patel-Foster, Sam Peggs, Jasmine Sakyiama, Wendy Somerville (Old Sally), Leah Vassell and Matthew Whennell-Clark. Sharing the role of Oliver Twist are Cian Eagle-Service (The Witches, Les Misérables), Raphael Korniets (The Snowman) and Jack Philpott (The Witches, Matilda). The younger roles in Fagin’s gang are shared by Toba Agbelusi, Zoe Akinyosade, Ben Birch, Finley Burrows, Preston Cropp, Benjamin Dalton, Kylan Michael Denis, SebastianElton, Liam Findlay, Rudy Gibson, Stanley Guy, George Hamblin, Lily Hanna, Charlie Hodson-Prior, Grace King, Cooper McCrae, Jonny Niland, Hugo Pechey, William Skinner, Dylan Xavier and Aaron Zhao. Rudy Gibson, Charlie Hodson-Prior and William Skinner will also perform as Alternate Artful Dodger. The musical will run from Monday 8 July to Saturday 7 September at Chichester Festival Theatre, before a transfer to the Gielgud Theatre, where the production plays from 14 December 2024 for a Christmas season.
• Elf – the musical will be embarking on a new tour this autumn to be produced and directed by panto and musical comedy producer Jon Conway. The musical follows Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack as a baby and is raised at the North Pole as an elf. However, after learning that he is indeed human, he sets off to New York City to find his biological father. The cast is headed by Jordan Conway (Laurel and Chaplin – The Feud), who is stepping into pointy shoes of Ferrell as Buddy. The cast also features Kelly Benlaki as Buddy’s love interest, Jovie, and Barry Bloxham as Buddy’s long-suffering dad. It will play from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 November at Milton Keynes Theatre, Tuesday 12 to Sunday 17 November at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 November at the Swan Theatre, High Wycombe and Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 December at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton ahead of its London transfer. The production will also play in arenas in Aberdeen, Newport, Brighton, Birmingham, Leeds, Hull, Glasgow, Newcastle and Killarney.
• A Jaffa Cake Musical – the show, inspired by the 1991 tribunal that determined the true identity of a Jaffa Cake, aims to settle the age-old debate: cake or biscuit? Known for their award-winning productions like Scouts! The Musical, RuneSical, and Timpson: The Musical, Gigglemug Theatre will return for the Edinburgh Fringe, running the piece from 31 July to 26 August 2024 (excluding 13 August) at the Pleasance Courtyard. The cast of A Jaffa Cake Musical includes writer Sam Cochrane (Kevin), Sabrina Messer (Katherine) from Timpson: The Musical, Alex Prescot (Judge) from RuneSical, Katie Pritchard (Tax Man) from Scouts! The Musical, and Harry Miller (Jake) from Peter Pan at the National Theatre and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at the Bridge. Ali James, known for her work on Showstopper! The Improvised Musical and Peter Pan Goes Wrong, directs the production, with musical direction by Rob Gathercole of Faking Bad.
• Coraline A Musical – will have its world premiere at Leeds Playhouse where it will run from 11 April to 11 May 2025. The musical, based on Neil Gaiman’s award-winning novel, is suitable for audiences aged nine and above, explores the darkly imaginative world where Coraline encounters the sinister “Other Mother.” Coraline – A Musical has a book by Zinnie Harris (Macbeth – An Undoing) and music and lyrics by Louis Barabbas (songwriter and member of The Bedlam Six). Following the Leeds premiere it embarks on a UK tour which will include stops in Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. The musical is a co-production between Leeds Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Birmingham Rep, and HOME. Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director and Chief Executive James Brining will direct the production, reuniting with set and costume designer Colin Richmond after their work together with Oliver!. Puppet designer and director Rachael Canning and choreographer EJ Boyle will also join the creative team.
• Barnum – the musical, with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart, and a book by Mark Bramble, will run from 2 July to 8 September 2024 at the Watermill Theatre. Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle with choreography by Oti Mabuse, the show will feature an ensemble cast of actor-musicians and circus performers. Matt Rawle (Father Brown, Evita) will play PT Barnum, while Monique Young (Sondheim’s Old Friends, Mary Poppins) will play Charity Barnum. Penny Ashmore, seen in Ride of the Valkyries at the Royal Albert Hall, will take on the role of Jenny Lind. Other cast members include Fergus Rattigan as General Tom Thumb, Tania Mathurin as Joice Heth, Josh Barnett as James Bailey, and Tom Sterling as Edgar Templeton. Returning to the Watermill Theatre are Emma Jane Morton and Tom Sowinski, alongside newcomers Jessica Jolleys, Charis Alexandra, and Elena Bluck, who is making her professional debut. The cast is completed by onstage swings Kaine Hatukai and Laura Sillett, and circus performers Kiera Brunton, Emily Odunsi, Dan Holland and Andre Rodrigues in his musical theatre professional debut.
• Bonnie and Clyde – has cancelled all of its remaining tour performances, producers have confirmed in a statement. The musical began its tour at Leicester Curve in February and has received a range of five star reviews and standing ovations at venues across the country. Here’s what we thought about it – Bonnie & Clyde review – “An Absolute Must See” – http://overtures-live-on-stage.com/2024/04/03/bonnie-clyde-review/ Unfortunately, it has been concluded that due to disappointing ticket sales it is no longer financially viable to continue with the tour. We would like to thank the extremely hard working and endlessly talented cast and company that have entertained thousands of audience members across the country with this production. The show had two successful seasons in London’s West End at the Arts Theatre and the Garrick Theatre. Bonnie and Clyde The Musical narrates the tale of two small-town individuals who rose to become iconic and bloody figures in American folklore. The show had been due to continue in Southend this week.

News for 20th May 2024

• Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World – the musical will return to London opening at the Other Palace on 20^th July. The UK Theatre Award-winning piece follows a young girl who leaves class to meet a variety of iconic women from history such as Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few. It is based on Kate Pankhurst’s picture book of the same name, and previously toured in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Written by Chris Bush and Miranda Cooper, and directed by Amy Hodge, the production features set and costume design by Joanna Scotcher, choreography by Danielle Lecointe, associate choreography by Jackie Kibuka, assistant choreography by Rachel Seirian, lighting by Zoe Spurr, sound by Carolyn Downing and Rob Bettle, casting by Rosie Pearson, music, orchestrations and music production by Cooper and Jennifer Decilveo, live arrangements by Jen Green, additional music production by Nick Coler, musical direction by Audra Cramer and assistant musical direction by Nicola T Chang.
• Figaro: An Original Musical – will premiere at the London Palladium with two special concert performances on 3 and 4 February 2025. Conceived and with a book by Ashley Jana and Will Nunziata, the musical features music and lyrics by Ashley Jana and direction by Will Nunziata. The show is set in mid-1800s Italy and follows Sienna, a young woman yearning to escape her life on her father’s farm to pursue her dream of singing. Her life changes when she meets Figaro, a travelling performer who promises to make her dreams come true, but not without a price.
• News From Broadway – Sutton Foster will star in a new Broadway revival of Once Upon a Mattress at the Hudson Theatre on Broadway, running from 31 July to 30 November, the show will then head toLos Angeles for a four-week run at Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre from 10 December to 5 January 2025. Once Upon a Mattress, has music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and an original book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. The production originated at New York City Center Encores! in January 2024. The new musical Death Becomes Her, has opened its world premiere engagement at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre where it runs until 2^nd June, has set its Broadway opening at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre beginning 23 October, with opening night set for 21 November. On Broadway the musical will star Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, and Michelle Williams, who are all currently originating their roles in the debut run. Maybe Happy Ending – the musical will star Darren Criss who returns to Broadway this autumn alongside Helen J Shen, who will be making her Broadway debut in the musical which is set to begin preview performances at the Belasco Theatre on 18 September ahead of an official opening night on 17 October. Written by Will Aronson (music and book) and Hue Park (lyrics and book), Maybe Happy Ending is a new musical comedy set in Seoul, where a retired Helper-Bot named Oliver (Criss) is enjoying his quiet retirement. A meet cute with his Helper-Bot neighbour Claire (Shen) sparks a new friendship — and maybe love. It was written in both Korean and English-language versions. The Korean-language version opened in December of 2016 at DaeMyung Culture Factory in Seoul and subsequently won six Korean Musical Awards including Best Musical. The English-language version was awarded the 2017 Richard Rodgers Production Award and had its US premiere at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.

News for 15th May 2024

• The Story Of My Life – The Stage Door Theatre in Drury Lane will host the UK premiere of the two-person Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and a book by Brian Hill. Directed by Robert McWhir, the production runs from 4 September to 19 October. It tells the tale of two childhood friends, Thomas Weaver and Alvin Kelby, from age six to 35. The musical, which ran for 24 total performances in February 2009, was nominated for four Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical. The creative team includes Aaron Clingham as musical director, while the piece is produced by LAMBCO Productions.
• Moulin Rouge! The Musical – is set to embark on a world tour in 2025 – and its first UK stop will be at Edinburgh Playhouse where it will run from 25 April to 14 June 2025. The West End production will continue its run at the Piccadilly Theatre. The hit show is based on the much-loved turn-of-the-century film about a Parisian courtesan who falls in love with a writer. It starred Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. At the 74th Academy Awards, it was nominated for eight Oscars, winning two.
• SuperYou – a new musical written and composed by Lourds Lane, is set to make its fully staged UK production debut at Leicester’s Curve this autumn. Running from 22 October to 9 November in the Studio theatre, the show has been retooled and re-imagined to be completely sung-through since its previous appearances. It follows a comic book artist who discovers self-love and her own voice as her superheroine creations come to life. Initially planned for an off-Broadway debut, SuperYou gained attention during the pandemic for staging concerts on socially distanced pick-up trucks at a drive-in location in upstate New York. These pandemic concerts later became a popular documentary on Broadway on Demand. The musical sold out Carnegie Hall for two nights in July 2022, and had a sold-out, one-night-only concert at the Lyric Theatre in the West End in 2023. The musical will feature direction and choreography by JoAnn M Hunter, music supervision by Wendy Bobbitt Cavett, scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Cynthia Nordstorm, video design by Caite Hevner, lighting design by Ryan O’Gara, and sound design by Tony Gayle. Casting is by Pearson Casting. It is produced by Melissa M Jones / All Awesome LLC with general management by Anthology Theatre Productions.
• & Juliet – after its successful run at London’s West End Shaftesbury Theatre from 2019 to 2023 and its current Broadway residency at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, the show is gearing up to open a UK tour at Manchester’s Opera House on 8^th Jul 2024. The musical, directed by Luke Sheppard, offers a twist on the classic love story, asking what might have happened if Juliet hadn’t chosen the tragic ending over Romeo. It is set to a pop-infused soundtrack featuring iconic hits penned by Max Martin, like Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” and Katy Perry’s “Roar”. With a book by David West Read, the production has choreography by Jennifer Weber and set design by Soutra Gilmour. The musical’s tunes are crafted by Martin and his collaborators, while costume design is by Paloma Young, and musical supervision, orchestration, and arrangements by Bill Sherman. As already announced, appearing in the show are Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet, Matt Cardle as Shakespeare,Lara Denning as Anne, Sandra Marvin as Angelique, Jack Danson as Romeo, Kyle Cox as Francois and Jordan Broatch as May. Joining them will be Dr Ranj Singh, who is set to play Lance. Also in the cast are Michael Nelson as Henry, Liam Morris as Richard, Jade Johnson as Nell / Lady C, Rosie Singha as Judith, Nia Stephen as Imogen, Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid as Lucy/Alternate Juliet, Andilé Mabhena as Augustine / Dance Team, Harriet Caplan-Dean as Eleanor, Alexander Kranz as Lennox, Aaron Shales as Gregory / Dance Team, Toni Paise as Violet and Samuel Wilson-Freeman as Fletcher / Resident Director and Dance Captain. The show, which won a wealth of WhatsOnStage and Olivier Awards and picked up a five-star write-up, has already achieved global success, with an upcoming US tour scheduled to begin in September 2024, alongside a variety of international productions. The UK tour will visit Blackpool’s Winter Gardens (23 to 27 July), Norwich Theatre Royal (30 July to 3 August), Glasgow Kings Theatre (13 to 24 August), Oxford New Theatre (2 to 7 September), Sunderland Empire (9 to 21 September), Hull New Theatre (23 to 28 September), Plymouth Theatre Royal (30 September to 5 October), Wolverhampton Grand (7 to 12 October), Marlowe Theatre Canterbury (14 to 19 October), Liverpool Empire (28 October to 2 November), Southampton Mayflower (5 to 9 November), Edinburgh Playhouse (12 to 16 November) and Leeds Grand (18 to 30 November). Into 2025, the show will visit Bristol Hippodrome (14 to 25 January), New Wimbledon Theatre (27 January to 1 February), His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen (4 to 8 February), Curve Leicester (17 to 22 February), Bord Gais Theatre in Dublin (26 February to 8 March), Woking New Victoria (11 to 15 March), Bradford Alhambra (24 to 29 March), Milton Keynes Theatre (31 March to 12 April), Nottingham Theatre Royal (14 to 19 April), Birmingham Hippodrome (21 April to 3 May), Southend Cliffs Pavilion (5 to 10 May), Stoke Regent (12 tto 17 May), Sheffield Lyceum (20 to 31 May), Newcastle Theatre Royal (2 to 7 June), Truro Hall for Cornwall (10 to 14 June) and Cardiff Millenium Centre (16 to 28 June).
• Radcliffe – first seen as part of MTFestUK 2024, the new musical will be presented for public workshop performances later this month. Running in the Other Palace Studio from 29 to 31 May, the piece is penned by Jordan Luke Gage (Bonnie & Clyde, Heathers, & Juliet) with orchestrations and musical direction by Ben Tomalin. It is based on the true events of William Critchard and Richard Arnold in Redcliffe, Bristol in the 1750s. Set to lead the workshop performances are Gage as William and Liam Tamne as Richard. Gage said hebased the musical on an article he found in the Bristol archives that explores the complexity of navigating a forbidden gay relationship in a world of societal pressure and expectations. Ultimately it is the exploration of the human heart and the lengths we will go to be able to live freely. It is produced by the Other Palace and funded via the venue’s development dund, where 50p of every ticket sold in the main house goes to fund developing new work.
• The Rocky Horror Show – the touring production is being recast and will visit London’s Dominion Theatre before heading back out on tour. Jason Donovan will be joining the company in the role of Dr. Frank’n’Furter, the first time he will have played this role in the UK for 25 years. Before opening at the Dominion on 6^th September where it will run until 20^th September it will play Bromley (19 to 24 August) and High Wycombe (27 to 31 August). After London it will then continue to Fareham where it will open the brand new, ‘Fareham Live’ venue and then move on to Malvern, Bath, York, Glasgow, Cardiff, Woking, Blackpool, Sheffield, Liverpool for the festive season (3 December to 4 January), Southend, Edinburgh and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Donovan is not currently scheduled to appear in Malvern, Woking and Liverpool, and on the following dates: 30 August, 28 October, and 4, 5 and 23 November.
• Shrek the Musical – Todrick Hall will return to the London stage later this year as the touring production is set to transfer to the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith for six weeks from 19 July 2024 after finishing its most recent tour last month. Hall, who rose to fame on American Idol and is known for his judging role on RuPaul’s Drag Race, will join the show after appearing in another screen-to-stage production, Burlesque, at Manchester Opera House in June. His previous stage credits include The Colour Purple, Memphis, Waitress and Kinky Boots on Broadway and Chicago, on Broadway and in the West End. The cast of Shrek also includes Antony Lawrence (Shrek), Joanne Clifton (Princess Fiona), James Gillan (Lord Farquaad) and Cherece Richards (Dragon). Produced by Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale, and Gavin Kalin, this new revival’s creative team is led by director and choreographer Nick Winston with co-director Sam Holmes. Alongside them are set and costume designer Philip Witcomb, lighting designer Ben Cracknell, sound designer Ben Harrison, casting director Jim Arnold, projection designer Nina Dunn and puppet designer Jimmy Grimes.
• A Face In The Crowd – Ramin Karimloo and Anoushka Lucas are set to lead the world premiere of the new musical, featuring book by Sarah Ruhl, songs by Elvis Costello and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, at the Young Vic Theatre from 10 September to 9 November. The production, a cautionary tale about the dangers of celebrity, power, and politics, stars Tony and Olivier Award-nominated actor Ramin Karimloo as Lonesome Rhodes and actor, singer, songwriter, and playwright Anoushka Lucas as Marcia Jeffries. The show is Kwei-Armah’s final production as Young Vic artistic director. A Face in the Crowd tells the story of local radio producer Marcia Jeffries, who interviews drunk drifter Lonesome Rhodes in his jail cell and gives him a slot on her show. The creative team includes lighting designer Jackie Shemesh, musical supervisor and musical director Phil Bateman, sound designer Emma Laxton, choreographer Lizzi Gee, and casting director Heather Basten CDG.
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – will be embarking on a new tour later this year. The play is based on C S Lewis’ iconic children’s book about a group of siblings that walk through a wardrobe into a magical kingdom. Directed by Michael Fentiman, and based on the original production by Sally Cookson, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was first performed at Leeds Playhouse in 2017, before transferring to London’s Bridge Theatre, embarking on a tour and then running in the West End. The production celebrates the magic of live theatre and is led by a multi-talented cast of actors, singers, musicians, dancers and puppeteers; it is a celebration of the possibilities of the collective imagination and the boundless wonders of individual skill. The creative team behind The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe also includes set and costume designer Tom Paris, composers Barnaby Race and Benji Bower, choreographer Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, lighting designer Jack Knowles, sound designer Tom Marshall, puppetry director Toby Olié, puppetry designer Max Humphries, aerial director Gwen Hales, illusionist Chris Fisher, casting director Will Burton and wigs, hair and make-up designer Susanna Peretz. The tour will open at Leeds Playhouse (18 December 2024 to 25 January 2025), before visiting Leicester Curve, Cardiff Millennium Centre, Liverpool Empire, Theatre Royal Newcastle, Theatre Royal Brighton, Orchard Theatre Dartford, New Victoria Theatre Woking, Princess Theatre Torquay, Wycombe Swan Theatre, Cliffs Pavilion Southend-on-Sea, Grand Opera House York, Grand Opera House Belfast, Bord Gais Energy Theatre Dublin, Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Alexandra Theatre Birmingham, Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent, King’s Theatre Glasgow, His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen, Eden Court Highlands Inverness, Norwich Theatre Royal, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Milton Keynes Theatre, Winter Gardens Blackpool, Venue Cymru Llandudno, Congress Theatre Eastbourne, Aylesbury Waterside and Sunderland Empire.
• I Wish You Well – the Edinburgh Fringe will play host to the world premiere of the new musical parody based on Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski crash and the ensuing legal battle. Diana Vickers (I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical, Dial M For Murder) will lead the production, which is to be directed by Shiv Rabheru (resident director on Hamilton) and features musical direction by Debbi Clark. The show, penned by Rick Pearson with book and additional lyrics by Roger Dipper, played a one-off work-in-progress concert at the Turbine Theatre on 11 December 2023. Numbers include “Do You Know Taylor?” and “I’m Gwynnocent”. Produced by Paul Taylor-Mills (Heathers the Musical), with choreography by the famed creative Arlene Phillips (Guys and Dolls), the show will make its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024 at Udderbelly, Underbelly George Square from Saturday 3 to Monday 26 August 2024 (not 12), at 5:45pm. It is recommended for ages 12 and above.The show is designed by David Shields, with sound design by Dan Samson, associate direction and choreography by Tino Sibanda and casting by Seth Mason.
• The Lion King – the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Disney animated classic The Lion King this July will be celebrated at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Two in-concert screenings of the film will take place on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 July, featuring the Chineke! Orchestra and the London Community Gospel Choir, conducted by Sarah Hicks. Chineke! was founded to provide career opportunities for Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe, while the London Community Gospel Choir were featured on the original Lion King soundtrack. In addition, a special encore will also celebrate The Lion King stage musical, with West End cast members appearing and performing live and featuring the show’s award-winning costumes and puppetry. On the Friday evening, there will also be a “special fashion moment” in collaboration with a French luxury house.
• Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club – has announced new cast members. The show, which first opened in the West End in late 2021, is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, with set and costume design by Tom Scutt and choreography by Julia Cheng. Musical supervision is by Jennifer Whyte and musical direction is by Ben Ferguson with lighting design by Isabella Byrd and sound design by Nick Lidster. The casting director is Stuart Burt and the associate director is Jordan Fein. Set to lead the production from 3 June 2024 will be Rhea Norwood as Sally Bowles and Layton Williams as the Emcee. Norwood, who will make her professional stage debut in the production, is perhaps best known for her TV role as Imogen Heaney in the hit Netflix series Heartstopper. Her other screen credits include Your Christmas or Mine 2 and Consent. Williams’ many stage credits include Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Rent, Kiss Me, Kate, Hairspray, Billy Elliot, The Car Man and Lord of the Flies. He has also appeared on screen in Bad Education, Benidorm, Beautiful People, Rocketman, and Strictly Come Dancing. In addition, Sally Ann Triplett (Roald Dahl’s The Witches, Oklahoma!) and Fenton Gray (Cats, Blood Brothers) will take on the roles of Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz, respectively. Current stars Cara Delevingne (as Sally Bowles), Luke Treadaway (as the Emcee), Beverley Klein (as Frau Schneider) and Teddy Kempner (as Herr Schultz) will complete their time in the show on 1 June 2024. Continuing in the production will be Michael Ahomka-Lindsay (as Cliff Bradshaw), Wilf Scolding (as Ernst Ludwig), Jessica Kirton (as Fraulein Kost/Fritzie), Liv Alexander (as Texas), Natalie Chua (as Frenchie), Laura Delany (as Rosie), Taite-Elliot Drew (as Hans), Damon Gould (as Victor), El Haq Latief (as Helga), Grant Neal (as Herman/Max), Hicaro Nicolai (as Lulu) and Travis Ross (as Bobby), alongside Rebecca Lisewski, Ela Lisondra, Nic Myers, Andy Rees, Toby Turpin and Patrick Wilden. Myers also plays the role of Sally Bowles once a week.
• Heathers the Musical – has announced casting for its return to the West End and UK tour. The musical features a book, music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, and is based on the 1989 cult film of the same name, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. The production is directed by Andy Fickman, with choreography by associate director Gary Lloyd, designs by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Dan Samson. Produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills, the new London run will take place at @sohoplace from 22 May to 6 July 2024, before embarking on its third UK tour, opening at Theatre Royal Windsor on 24 July, the show will then visit Bath (from 30 July), Portsmouth (from 6 August), Cardiff (from 13 August), Newcastle (from 3 September), Milton Keynes (from 10 September), Chester (from 17 September), Sheffield (from 1 October), Stockton (from 15 October) and Torquay (from 5 November). Jenna Innes (Les Misérables) will return as Veronica Sawyer, joined by Keelan McAuley (Clueless, Grease) as JD Staring as the titular blazer-sporting Heathers are Esme Bowdler (ITV’s I Have a Dream finalist) as Heather Chandler, Sedona Sky (making her professional debut) as Heather Duke and Daisy Twells (Heathers) as Heather McNamara. The 2024 register is completed by Amy Miles (making her professional debut) as Martha Dunnstock, Lucy Sinclair (Rehab the Musical; We Will Rock You) as Ms Fleming/Veronica’s Mom, Iván Fernández González (Bhangra Nation) as Kurt Kelly, Jason Battersby (Just for One Day) as Ram Sweney, Alexander Service (Heathers) as Kurt’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Principal, Conor McFarlane (Once, Heathers) as Ram’s Dad/Big-Bud/Coach, Ben Fenwick (Pippin in Concert) as Beleaguered Geek, Madeleine Hargrave (Hairspray) as Midwestern Surfer Punk, Eliza Bowden (Heathers) as New Wave Party Girl, May Tether (Very Very Bad Cinderella; Heathers) as Drama Club Drama Queen, Jasmine Cole (Crazy Coqs Cabaret) as Young Republicanette, Kelly Sweeney (Six on the Norwegian Cruise Line, Hair) – as Stoner Chick, Lewis Asquith (Heathers) as Hipster Dork and Bradly Doko (Sideshow in Concert) as Preppy Stud.
• The Baker’s Wife – the Menier Chocolate Factory has announced casting for The Baker’s Wife, which opens on 6^th July and will run until 14^th September at the Southwark venue. Featuring a score by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin) and a book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof), the musical is set in a provincial French village, where the arrival of a new Baker and his younger wife turns it upside down. It is based on the 1938 French film La Femme du Boulanger by Marcel Pagnol and Jean Giono. Lucie Jones (Wicked, Waitress) will play the Baker’s Wife Genevieve, and Clive Rowe (Sister Act, The Prince of Egypt) will play the Baker. Joining them will be Bobbie Chambers (Niece), Mark Extance (The Teacher), Josefina Gabrielle (Denise), Jack Gardner (Philippe), Hana Ichijo (Niece), Michael Matus (The Marquis), Robyn Rose (Niece), Matthew Seadon-Young (Priest), David Seadon-Young (Antoine) and Joaquin Pedro Valdes (Dominique). Gordon Greenberg, who has recently directed The Heart of Rock and Roll on Broadway, will helm the production that will also feature choreography by Matt Cole, designs by Paul Farnsworth, lighting by Paul Anderson, musical supervision and orchestrations by Stuart Morley and musical direction by Dustin Conrad.

News for 6th May 2024

• Six – the hit West End and UK touring musical today announced that the July visit to Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre is a complete sell-out for the second year running ! Quite something for the musical, filling the 2,270 seat theatre for 7 performances in a week, plus an additional eighth special schools performance. With seat prices starting at £25 rising to around £50 it probably means a weekly gross in excess of £500K, incredible for a UK touring production.
• Titanique – Producers Eva Price (Oklahoma!, & Juliet, Dear Evan Hansen) and Michael Harrison (The Wizard of Oz, Hello, Dolly!, Crazy for You) have today confirmed plans for New York’s hit musical comedy to make its London debut. Combining the music of Celine Dion with the blockbuster film Titanic, Titanique has become an off-Broadway sensation, receiving critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere. It features a raft of Dion’s iconic songs including “My Heart Will Go On”, “All by Myself”, and “To Love You More”. Co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli, Titanique premiered off-Broadway in June 2022 at Asylum Theater, starring Mindelle and Rousouli as Celine Dion and Jack Dawson. After several sold-out extensions, the musical transferred to the Daryl Roth Theatre on 20 November 2022. Titanique is directed by Blue (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and choreographed by Ellenore Scott (Funny Girl, Little Shop of Horrors), with music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by IRNE Award-winner Nicholas James Connell. It won seven major awards during the 2022/23 theatre season, including three Lucille Lortel Awards, the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, Las Culturistas’ Culture Award for Best Indoor Performance, and two Dorian Awards.It has been confirmed that the show will play in the West End, opening before the end of 2024 and details will be shared here in the near future.
• Your Lie in April – the Manga musical has announced a 12-week West End run. Considered one of the most popular romantic stories and greatest tearjerkers in Japanese manga history, the show follows a young piano prodigy who is unable to perform following his mother’s death. His life then changes when he strikes a friendship with a talented violinist. The manga, published in 2011, has since sold over 7.5 million copies in 17 countries. It was adapted into a 22-part anime TV series in 2014, and a Japanese live-action film in 2016. The Japanese musical, now translated, was first seen in 2022. The theatrical production, which has music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Carly Robyn Green and Tracy Miller, English book by Rinne B Groff and original book by Riko Sakaguchi, was first seen on UK shores at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where the piece played three concerts. A fully staged iteration of the show will now play this summer at the Harold Pinter Theatre, opening late next month (28 June) and playing through to 21 September.
• Burlesque – the musical version of the film which starred Christina Aguilera, has added more names. As already revealed Jess Folley, known for winning The Voice Kids UK and X Factor – The Band, is set to take on the role of Ali, alongside George Maguire as Vince, Billie-Kay as Sophia, B Terry as Georgie, Jess Qualter as Daphne, Yasmin Harrison as Brenda/dance captain, Lily Wang as Fifi, Hollie-Ann Lowe as Summer, and Alessia McDermott in the ensemble. What’s more, Todrick Hall will play the role of Sean, alongside Michael Mather (It’s A Sin) as Jackson, with OpeSowande as Trey, Lewis Easter in the ensemble, with Callum Aylott, Lucy Campbell and Amber Pierson as swings. Now they will be joined by Nina Ann Nelson, actor and member of the American pop band Citizen Queen, who will play Nikki and the alternate Ali Rose. She is joined by Joe Atkinson (off stage swing, assistant dance captain), Jade Albertsen (ensemble), Callum Aylott (on stage swing), Evonnee Bentley-Holder (ensemble), Elly Jay (off stage swing/first cover Tess/first cover Georgie), Stefan Lagoulis (ensemble/second cover Jackson and Sean), Callum MacDonald (ensemble/first cover Vince), Tom Mussell (ensemble/first cover Jackson), Ian Oswald (ensemble/first cover Sean/ensemble) and Tom Scanlon (ensemble). The musical will preview at Manchester Opera House from 13 to 29 June 2024, with subsequent performances at Glasgow Theatre Royal from 11 to 28 September 2024 returning to Manchester from 3 October to 2 November 2024, before heading to the West End. The show follows Ali, a young talent who travels to New York where she discovers a world of creativity she never expected. It has songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren, alongside additional songs by Hall and Folley. The creative team includes Steven Antin (book writer/producer), Nick Winston (director and choreographer), Soutra Gilmour (set designer), Ryan Dawson Laight (costume designer), Tom Curran (musical arrangements and orchestrations), Phil Bateman (musical supervisor), Nina Dunn (video designer), Jack Knowles (lighting designer), Ben Harrison (sound designer), Carole Hancock (hair & wigs designer), Dominic Skinner (make-up designer), Dean Rudd (associate make-up designer), Ben Hart (illusion designer), Harry Blumenau (casting director), Chris Poon (musical director), Caitlin Morgan (assistant musical director), Robin Antin (creative co-producer/associate choreographer), Ryan-Lee Seager (associate director/choreographer), Libby Watts (associate choreographer), Sarah-Jane Price (casting associate), Tommy Franzen (assistant choreographer), Jennifer Gregory (associate costume designer), Matthew Jackson (associate music orchestrations & arranger), Dale Driscoll (associate lighting designer), Chris Reid (associate sound designer), Tyler Forward (associate video designer), Sarah-Lou Packham (associate wigs designer), Laura Rushton (costume supervisor), Lily Mollgaard (props supervisor), Kate Wetherhead (additional material – book), Vikki Stone (dramaturg & associate writer), Monique Eleanor (script assistant), Anoushka Lucas (script assistant), Racky Plews (creative producer), David Gallagher (orchestra manager), and Lloyd Thomas (production manager). Produced by Adam Paulden and Jason Haigh-Ellery, Sue Gilad and Larry Rogowsky, Steven Antin, and Christina Aguilera, Burlesque the Musical is managed by ADAMA Entertainment.
• Closer To Heaven – casting for the revival of Jonathan Harvey and the Pet Shop Boys’ musical which will run from 31 May to 30 June at the Turbine Theatre will be led by the Tony Award-winning, 1994 Eurovision contestant Frances Ruffelle as Billie Trix. Ruffelle is best known for originating two iconic roles in the West End – Éponine in Les Misérables and Dinah in Starlight Express. She is joined by Courtney Bowman, recently seen as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at Regent Park Open Air Theatre (for which she won a WhatsOnStage Award for Best Performer in a Musical), as Shell Christian, Glenn Adamson (Bat Out of Hell) as Dave, Connor Carson (The Phantom of the Opera) as Lee, Kurt Kansley (Rent) as Vic Christian, David Muscat (Billy Elliot) as Bob Saunders, Lewis Brown (Queenz) as Flynn, with Beth Curnock, Jamie Tait and Cian Hughes as Babes.
• Something Rotten! – the hit Broadway musical comedy will have its UK premiere this summer at a concert performance. The musical, created by Hollywood screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick (Chicken Run), John O’Farrell (Just For One Day), and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick (Mrs Doubtfire), follows the story of Renaissance writers Nick and Nigel Bottom as they seek to outshine Shakespeare by writing the world’s first musical. It originally opened on Broadway at the St James Theatre in 2015, the piece received several Best Musical nominations, and ten Tony Award nominations. A UK run in Birmingham, originally planned for 2020, was postponed by the pandemic, and the show has never been seen professionally on these shores. All that is about to change – the piece will now play at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Monday 5 August and Tuesday 6 August. Directed by Tim Jackson (Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)), the show will star Jason Manford (The Producers) as Nick Bottom, while further casting is to be revealed. The full Broadway score will be performed by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Freddie Tapner (Love Never Dies). It is to be produced by Fourth Wall Live, JAS Theatricals, and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra in association with Alchemation. Fourth Wall Live and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra who produced the concert of Love Never Dies.
• Make Good – Pentabus and New Perspectives, two rural touring theatre companies, will co-produce the new musical. Shedding light on the recent Post Office scandal, the partnership marks a significant milestone – both companies will celebrate their 50th anniversaries this year. The scandal, which saw over 900 sub-postmasters wrongly prosecuted due to incorrect information from Fujitsu’s Horizon computer system, gained public attention through the recent ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Make Good is based on interviews with sub-postmasters affected by the scandal (in a similar way to how Come From Away was based on interviews with those stranded in Gander in September 2001), highlighting the struggle of those plagued with false accusations and the ensuing hardships they faced. The musical, three years in the making, captures the resilience and bravery of these individuals as they fought to prove their innocence. The creative team behind the show are some of the most notable individuals working right now – writer Jeanie O’Hare (Queen Margaret) was previously director of New Work Development at the Public Theater in New York, and Chair of Playwriting at Yale School of Drama. The musical’s composer and lyricist is Jim Fortune (Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear), while there is additional music and lyrics by Maimuna Memon (Manic Street Creature) and additional material by Ed Gaughan (Skeletons). Elle While, artistic director of Pentabus, will direct. The musical will embark on a six-week tour in the autumn this year, beginning at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on 18 October. Other venues include Theatre Severn and Hereford College of Art, with the full list of stops to be confirmed. The production has received support from the RSC and the National Theatre Studio’s Generate Programme, was commissioned by Pentabus, and is jointly produced by Pentabus and New Perspectives
• Frankie Goes To Bollywood – Rifco Theatre Company, in collaboration with Watford Palace Theatre and HOME Manchester, will transfer their new musical to the Queen Elizabeth Hall at Southbank Centre where it will run from 31 July to 18 August. The brainchild of Rifco’s artistic director, Pravesh Kumar, the musical delves into the journey of Frankie, a young woman who finds herself catapulted into the world of Bollywood after a chance encounter with a director. The show is currently having its world premiere at Watford Palace Theatre, and will embark on a national tour with a run at HOME in Manchester from 15 May. It has a book by Kumar, songs and music by Niraj Chag, songs and lyrics by Tasha Taylor Johnson and costume design by Andy Kumar. The cast includes Laila Zaidi, Helen K Wint, Shakil Hussain, Gigi Zahir, Navin Kundra and Katie Stasi. After HOME, the show will play in Hayes, Hornchurch, Wolverhampton, Bradford, Windsor, Coventy and Cardiff
• The Baker’s Wife – the Menier Chocolate Factory has announced a new production of the musical – the first major UK revival since its 1989 West End premiere, opening on 6^th July it will run until 14^th September 2024. Featuring a score by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin) and a book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof), the musical is set in a provincial French village, where the arrival of a new Baker and his younger wife turns it upside down. It is based on the 1938 French film La Femme du Boulanger by Marcel Pagnol and Jean Giono. Gordon Greenberg, who has recently directed The Heart of Rock and Roll on Broadway, will helm the production that will also feature choreography by WhatsOnStage Award winner Matt Cole, designs by Paul Farnsworth, lighting by Paul Anderson, musical supervision and orchestrations by Stuart Morley and musical direction by Dustin Conrad.
• No Love Songs – Dundee Rep has announced casting for the London transfer of the hit gig musical No Love Songs. Written by Kyle Falconer of Mercury Prize-nominated Scottish indie band The View, along with his partner Laura Wilde and Johnny McKnight, the show offers a fresh and urgent perspective on love and new parenthood. It features hits from Falconer’s solo album No Love Songs For Laura, including “Stress Ball” and “Mother.” Following a successful run at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show is now set to run at Dundee Rep (9 to 11 May), Theatre Royal Brighton as part of the Brighton Festival (17 to 18 May) and London’s Southwark Playhouse Elephant (4 to 15 June). The cast will feature original company member John McLarnon (Local Hero, My Left Right Foot) reprising his role as Jessie, alongside Anna Russell Martin (The Panopticon) as Lana. Co-directed by Dundee Rep’s artistic director, Andrew Panton, and associate director Tashi Gore, it has musical direction and arrangements by Gavin Whitworth, lighting design by Grant Anderson, sound design by Ritchie Young, set design by Leila Kalbassi, costume design by Cate Mackie and casting by MH Casting.
• Overseas – international update
  • Broadway hasn’t been the same since the pandemic. Just consider “The Phantom of the Opera.” The recent closing announcement of the landmark long-runner underscored just how unpredictable the Street has become after the interruption of the 18-month shutdown and a bumpy restart. Over the summer, sales and attendance picked up promising momentum, and the 19 new productions that will open between Oct. 1 and the end of the year represent a lineup as robust and varied as any prior to lockdown. But backers of incoming shows know Broadway is still navigating the pandemic’s aftermath, including seemingly enduring shifts in production considerations, consumer lifestyles and buying habits. No one is quite sure how much longer it will be before things return to normal — or even what “normal” looks like anymore.
  • Andrew Barth Feldman and Sarah Hyland will join the off-Broadway cast of Little Shop of Horrors, which is now enjoying an open-ended run at the Westside Theatre. Feldman will take on the role of Seymour, while Hyland will play Audrey. Both are slated to begin performances Tuesday 28 May.
  • Oliver Tompsett will step into the role of William Shakespeare in the Broadway production of & Juliet, now playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. Tompsett originated the role of William Shakespeare at the Manchester Opera House in 2019, and later on the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre. His other London credits include Pretty Woman, Kinky Boots, Guys and Dolls, and Wicked.
  • Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) announced the complete casting for Cats: “The Jellicle Ball”. The show is a reimagining of the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T S Eliot. The show runs from 13 June to 14 July. Inspired by the Ballroom culture in New York City over 50 years ago that still rages on runways around the world, the show will feature a company of artists from Broadway and New York’s Ballroom floors.
  • Edgar Lansbury, the Tony-winning producer and younger brother of famed actress Angela Lansbury who guided the Broadway and big-screen versions of The Subject Was Roses and Godspell, has died. He was 94. He died Thursday at his home in Manhattan. Lansbury also produced the popular 1974-75 Broadway revival of Gypsy that starred his sister in a Tony-winning turn and worked on other films including The Wild Party (1975), directed by James Ivory. His sister, Angela Lansbury, winner of five Tony Awards and star of Murder, She Wrote, died on Oct. 11, 2022, at age 96. His twin brother, TV producer Bruce Lansbury, died in February 2017 at age 87.