Month: September 2014

Katie Brayben Cast as Carole King in Beautiful

News, West End
Katie Brayben

Katie Brayben has been cast as Carole King in the West End production of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical which opens at the Aldwych Theatre in February next year. Beautiful – The Carole King Musical is the untold story of her journey from school girl to superstar; from her relationship with husband and song-writing partner Gerry Goffin, their close friendship and playful rivalry with fellow song-writing duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, to her remarkable rise to stardom. Along the way, she became one of the most successful solo acts in music history, and wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Alan Morrissey will play King’s husband and song-writing partner Gerry Goffin, with Lorna Watt as song-writer Cynthia Weill, Glynnis Barber as Genie Klein, King’s mother, and Gary Trainor as music publisher and producer Don Kirshner. Further casting will be announced shortly. Katie Brayben is currently playing Princess Diana in … Read more

Wolf Hall To Open On Broadway This Spring

Broadway, News
Wold Fall RSC

After critically acclaimed runs at both Stratford-upon-Avon and the Aldwych Theatre in London, the hugely successful Wolf Hall: Parts 1 & 2 will arrive on Broadway on the first day of spring, Friday 20th March 2015, and thus officially usher in the spring season. The productions will continue playing to packed houses in the West End until Saturday 4 October. Based on the best selling novels by Dame Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall: Parts 1 & 2 will invite theatre goers to be part of a unique theatrical experience, similar to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s award winning production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. Wolf Hall: Parts 1 & 2 are adapted by Mike Poulton from Hilary Mantel’s Man Booker Prize winning novels, Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. The plays are based on the deceit, betrayal, and intrigue of the court of Henry VIII. The production features … Read more

Damn Yankees Comes To The Landor Theatre

News, Off West End
Damn Yankees at The Landor Theatre

The baseball musical with a Faustian twist is coming to the Landor Theatre in October. From the composers of The Pajama Game, Damn Yankees won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and includes classics as Whatever Lola Wants and You’ve Gotta Have Heart. Middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd trades his soul to the Devil, also known as Mr. Applegate, for a chance to lead his favorite team to victory in the pennant race against the New York Yankees. As young baseball sensation Joe Hardy, he transforms the hapless Washington Senators into a winning team, only to realize the true worth of the life he’s left behind. Joe ultimately outsmarts Applegate, returns to his former self, and shepherds the Senators to the World Series. The Landor production will feature Jonathan D Ellis (Les Miserables, Blood Brothers) as Applegate, Poppy Tierney as Lola – the best homewrecker on the Devil’s staff, and … Read more

Sweeney In A Pie Shop Cast Announced

News, Off West End
Sweeney Todd at Harringtons Pie Shop

London is awash with productions of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd at the moment. Perhaps one of the most interesting is taking place at Harrington’s Pie and Mash Shop in Tooting, South London. This site-specific production by Tooting Arts Club will see audiences congregate at Anton’s barber shop before being shown to Harrington’s, where the decor, little changed since it was opened in 1908, will provide the setting for Mrs Lovett’s infamous establishment. Mrs Lovett will be played by Siobhan McCarthy who was Olivier nominated as the original Donna in Mamma Mia!, and is also known for playing Roisin Connor in ITV’s Bad Girls. Siobhan will be joined by Jeremy Secomb as Sweeney. Jeremy’s West End Credits include The Phantom Of the Opera and Priscilla. Other casting includes David Freeman as Judge Turpin, Ian Mowatt as Beadle Bamford, Kiara Jay as Pirelli/Beggar Woman, Nadim Naaman as Anthony Hope, Grace Chapman as … Read more