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

REVIEW: Groundhog Day, Old Vic Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Book now for Groundhog Day at the Old Vic Theatre

For a 10 week trial, this production of Groundhog Day is as good or better than many shows I have seen this year. A West-end transfer must surely be on the cards and I’m sure Andy Karl would be up for a Broadway run. Just get down to the Old Vic asap to see this stunning show. Writing and production of this calibre must be seen!

FIRST LOOK: Groundhog Day at The Old Vic Preview Photos

Book now for Tim Michin's Groundhog Day at the Old Vic

BritishTheatre.com is pleased to bring you these great preview images of Groundhog Day at the Old Vic Theatre. Composer and lyricist Tim Minchin, Old Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus, choreographer Peter Darling and designer Rob Howell, who worked together on the international musical version of Matilda, have joined forced with Danny Rubin on a brand new musical based on the 1993 hit film Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day is the story of Phil Connors (Andy Karl), a cynical Pittsburgh TV weatherman who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in the isolated small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, when he finds himself caught in a time loop, forced to repeat the same day again and again…and again. As each day plays out exactly the same as before, Phil becomes increasingly despondent, but is there a lesson to be learnt through his experiences, will he ever unlock the secret and break … Read more

FIRST LOOK: Tim Minchin’s new musical Groundhog Day

Book now for Groundhog Day at the Old Vic Theatre

We are pleased to bring you these great rehearsal room images of Groundhog Day, Tim Minchin’s much anticipated new musical. Artistic Director of The Old Vic Matthew Warchus, composer and lyricist Tim Minchin, choreographer Peter Darling, and designer Rob Howell, four of the creators of the international musical sensation Matilda The Musical, have joined forces with writer Danny Rubin to collaborate on a new musical based on his 1993 hit film Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day is the story of Phil Connors (Andy Karl), a cynical Pittsburgh TV weatherman who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in the isolated small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, when he finds himself caught in a time loop, forced to repeat the same day again and again…and again. As each day plays out exactly the same as before, Phil becomes increasingly despondent, but is there a lesson to be learnt through his experiences, … Read more

Exclusive Pre-Sale Period For Tim Minchin’s Groundhog Day at The Old Vic Now Open

Book Now for Yim Minchin's new musical groundhog Day at the Old Vic

Following the international success of his first musical Matilda, Tim Minchin is back with his new musical Groundhog Day. BritishTheatre.com and Encore Tickets are pleased to announce an exclusive pre-sale booking period for Groundhog Day at The Old Vic where it will be presented from 11 July – 17 September 2016. Tim has teamed up with Danny Rubin to collaborate on this new musical based on the 1993 hit film. Andy Karl’s numerous Broadway credits include On the Twentieth Century, Rocky, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Jersey Boys, Wicked, 9 to 5, Legally Blonde, The Wedding Singer and Saturday Night Fever. Join us this summer for the world premiere of Groundhog Day a new musical directed by Old Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus. Groundhog Day is the story of Phil Connors (Andy Karl), a cynical Pittsburgh TV weatherman who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in the … Read more

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Celebrate Start of 3rd Year.

Roni Page as Granmda Josephine

The cast and crew of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory  celebrated it’s second anniversary in the West End last Thursday with a special gala performance. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory has fast become one of the West End’s most popular stage musicals winning two Olivier awards in 2014 and repeatedly breaking box office records at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane where it has now been seen by over 1.3million people. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is directed by Sam Mendes. Featuring ingenious stagecraft, the wonder of the original story that has captivated the world for almost 50 years is brought to life with music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, a book by award-winning playwright and adaptor David Greig, set and costume designs by Mark Thompson and choreography by Peter Darling. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is now booking until 4 June 2016. BOOK TICKETS … Read more

REVIEW: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Theatre Royal Drury Lane ✭✭✭✭

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory At The Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Sam Mendes’ production of the musical adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is in excellent shape. Nothing indicates that more clearly than the show not missing a beat despite the fact that three understudies were called upon to perform. The company didn’t hiccup. Routines are polished and well-drilled; Mark Thompson’s wonderfully colourful, and sometimes colourless, costumes and sets are in pristine shape and conjure up the requisite sense of magic effortlessly. The tunefulness and sprightly fun of Marc Shaiman’s music remains infectious and sweet.