July 2014 | British Theatre

A Beginner’s Guide To Dogfight The Musical

Douglas Mayo9th May 201831st July 2014 Off West End

A Beginner’s Guide To DOGFIGHT THE MUSICAL So What’s It All About? It’s November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of compassion. The musical is based on the 1991 Warner Bothers film which starred River Phoenix and Lili Taylor. Who Wrote It? Dogfight was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, two of the hottest young musical writers around at the moment. They’ve been hailed as the heirs of Rodgers and Hammerstein. They wrote original songs for the television series Smash and were nominated for Tony … Read more

REVIEW: Wolf Hall / Bring Up The Bodies, Aldwych Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Stephen Collins31st July 2014 Reviews

In most respects, it is better and more vibrant, more deftly detailed, than it was in Stratford Upon Avon. It’s an unrivalled spectacle of theatrical ingenuity. Go. Just go.

REVIEW: Dessa Rose, Trafalgar Studios ✭✭✭✭

Stephen Collins31st July 201431st July 2014 Reviews

This is a terrifically mature presentation of a difficult, but eminently attractive, and entertaining, piece of musical theatre. It is Keates’ best work to date and in Erivo he has a star of true power who delivers the goods in every way.

Bakersfield Mist Announces Early Closure

Editorial Staff30th July 2014 News, West End

Bakersfield Mist Duchess Theatre Kathleen Turner Ian McDiarmid

Bakersfield Mist which stars Kathleen Turner, currently playing at the Duchess Theatre is to close three week earlier due to poor ticket sales. The show will now close on August 9. In a statement, the producers said: ” the show did well until the school holidays, however it seems we haven’t captured the tourist audience, so we have decided to finish at 13 weeks instead of 16 and not play the tricky August weeks.” “We would like to thank all of the production team, and Kathleen Turner and Ian McDiarmid for their acclaimed performances.” Book tickets now for the remainder of the season at the Duchess Theatre.

John Kander receives National Medal Of Arts

Douglas Mayo25th February 201629th July 2014 News, West End

John Kander President Barrack Obama National Medal of Arts

Congratulations to Broadway composer John Kander who yesterday was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barrack Obama in a White House Ceremony. As one half of the dynamic writing duo with Fred Ebb, John Kander is the composer of classic Broadway musicals including Cabaret, Chicago, Woman Of The Year, Steel Pier and Kiss Of The Spider Woman. The duo also wrote an enormous amount of material for film and television including the song New York, New York, immortalised by Frank Sinatra. Following a sell-out season last year at London’s Young Vic their show The Scottsboro Boys will open at the Garrick Theatre on 4th October 2014. Tickets are onsale now.

Forbidden Broadway announces West End Transfer

Editorial Staff29th July 2014 News, West End

Following a sell-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, the latest production of Forbidden Broadway will transfer to the Vaudeville Theatre for a limited 11 week run from September 9th. A hilarious spoof on some of the biggest theatre stars and the shows they perform in, Forbidden Broadway has become an institution in New York where it has been performed at various venues since 1982. Three of the current cast members, Anna-Jane Casey, Damian Humbley and Ben Lewis will transfer with the production where they will be joined by Christina Bianco. Bianco has appeared in the US production of the show but is perhaps better known for her You Tube videos which have become an online sensation having been seen by over 10 million people. Menier artistic Director David Babani said he was “delighted and overwhelmed” with the critical response and “speed at which tickets had been sold out for … Read more

Rabbit Hole Postpones West End Run

Editorial Staff29th July 2014 News

It has been announced that the West-End premier of Rabbit Hole starring Joanne Froggatt has been prostponed, This production of David Lindsay-Abaire’s play was due to have been presented at the Vaudeville Theatre from September. Producers, Creative Management and Direction, James Quaife Productions and Celia Atkin issues a statement saying ” Our production of Rabbit Hole will be postponed from the planned September opening at the Vaudeville Theatre as due to a late shift in schedules, it is unable to go ahead at this time.” The producers indicated that they hope to bring the play to London in due course. Meanwhile, it has been announced that Forbidden Broadway will transfer to the Vaudeville following a sell-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

New trailer for The Crucible with Richard Armitage released.

Editorial Staff28th July 2014 News, Video

Strike Digital have produced a stunning new trailer for The Old Vic’s current production of The Crucible directed by Yael Farber. Arthur Miller’s classic drama shows what happens when superstition, lust and prejudice collide with a small tight-knit community. It’s one of those must-see theatre events that The West End does so well. Read our full review by Stephen Collins Buy tickets for The Crucible at The Old Vic