Are Bio-Musicals Taking Over Broadway and the West End?

Jersey Boys Musical original london cast

So many bio-musicals are either running, in preparation or about to open that we wondered just which life stories were about to hit the stage and which ones were still enduring. ROCKETMAN – The Elton John Musical (Broadway/West End) At a time when Elton John has announced that he is soon to retire from touring it’s not inconceivable that this work which has been in development for a few years may soon have the subject’s undivided attention to get it on stage. We’ve heard that the show will be based on the life story of one Reginald Dwight and his stage persona Elton John featuring songs from his extensive music catalogue with a book by Billy Elliot book writer Lee Hall. SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL (Broadway) Opening on Broadway on April 23, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical had a try out at the La Jolla Playhouse. Told through the … Read more

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Poll – Number 7 – Billy Elliot

Top 100 Musicals - Number 7 - Billy Elliot

It’s not often that a British film captures the imagination of the world but Billy Elliot did just that. Released in 2000 the film was a sensation worldwide thanks to its honesty, sincerity and humour.  The story of a boy who favoured ballet shoes over boxing gloves, it was set against the background of the UK Miner’s strike. Billy Elliot features music by Elton John with book and lyrics by Lee Hall who had also written the film’s screenplay. The production was directed by Stephen Daldry and choreographed by Peter Darling. Billy Elliot premiered at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre in May 2005, having abandoned plans to open in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Billy Elliot played 4600 performances in London and is now undergoing its first UK national tour. Further productions opened in Australia in 2007 and on Broadway in 2008. In Australia, the show won seven Helpmann Awards including Best Musical … Read more

Elton John – Wonderful Crazy Night Tour – Now On Sale

Elton John's Wonderful Crazy Night Tour

Elton John has announced that he will perform a series of Summer Concerts as part of his Wonderful Crazy Night Tour. The concerts will take place in Birmingham, Derby, Leeds and Airdrie. Elton will perform songs from his career as well as songs from Wonderful Crazy Night – his latest studio album. Known for more hit songs than most of us could ever remember, Elton John is also well known for providing the music for The Lion King and Billy Elliot, the multi award-winning international hit musicals. The Lion King is still currently playing in London, whilst Billy Elliot is currently on tour across the UK. Concert dates are as follows:- 4 June 2017 – 3aaa County Ground, Derby 7 June 2017 – Genting Arena, Birmingham 8 June 2017 – First Direct Arena, Leeds 24 June 2017 – Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie BUY TICKETS FOR ELTON JOHN. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST … Read more

Billy Elliot’s Final Victoria Palace Performance

Billy Elliot Closes at London's Victoria Palace Theatre

After 4600 performances, Billy Elliot the musical played its last performance on Saturday night (9 April 2016) at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre. The theatre will now undergo a major renovation. The sold out performance had 1530 people on their feet during the curtain call which in true Billy Elliot style included past and present Billy Elliots and members of the show’s creative team. 32 Billy Elliots appeared in the curtain call (the most onstage ever), 24 past Michaels and 18 past Debbies as well as several adult members of the original company. Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Billy Elliot the Musical has won more than 80 theatre awards and has now been seen by nearly 5.4 million people in London, while globally it has been seen by almost 11 million. Over the eleven year run in the West End, the Victoria Palace Theatre was home to 531 young performers … Read more

REVIEW: The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre London. Tickets on sale now

As the lights go down, and Rafiki begins summoning the animals to Pride Rock, it becomes obvious that Director Julie Taymor has created the greatest opening for any musical EVER! You can’t help but get goosebumps on your goosebumps as The Circle Of Life transports you to the African heartlands. There is an amazing majesty in the staging of this number that I doubt will be equalled any time soon.

Billy Elliott Announces West End Closure

Billy Elliot 5th Birthday

Producers have announced that after 4600 performances, Billy Elliot will close at the Victoria Palace Theatre on 9 April 2016 to allow for planned theatre refurbishments. The closure will co-incide with the shows eleventh birthday, with the show having been seen by over 5.25 million people in London and nearly 11 million people worldwide. Billy Elliot has grossed over $800 million worldwide and is the winner of over 80 theatre awards internationally. Based on the Oscar nominated film released in 2000 and set in a northern mining town against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever. Elton John said: “I’ve said it before and it still remains true, Billy Elliot has been one of the most rewarding … Read more