Teddy Comes To Southwark Playhouse

Teddy at Southwark Playhouse by Tristan Bernays and Dougal Irvine

Snapdragon Productions and Theatre Bench will present Teddy, a new musical world premiere by Tristan Bernays and music by Dougal Irvine at the Southwark Playhouse in June. The time is 1956. It’s a Saturday night in Elephant and Castle and Teddy and Josie are out for a good time. It’s pissing down, they’re skint and someone wants them dead, but that’s never stopped Ted from having a good time. Desperate times call for Rock ‘n’ Roll. Teddy is a punchy, lyrical ride though the dark and damaged world of 1950s London. Featuring a blistering live performance from Johnny Valentine and The Broken Hearts and an electrifying original score by Dougal Irvine. Expect sex, violence and damn good hair. Tristan Bernays said today “I can’t wait to bring Teddy to Southwark Playhouse – a venue which is at the vanguard of new and exciting theatre and musicals.” Dougal Irvine added, “I’m … Read more

Dusty Cast Announced

Dusty at the Charing Cross Theatre

Dusty, a new multi-media show celebrating the music of the iconic Dusty Springfield will receive its World Premiere at the Charing Cross Theatre. With original music by the legendary artist Dusty Springfield, audiences will see and hear Springfield on stage using the most up-to-date 3-D technology and digital media. Combined with a musical theatre format of live performance, music and dance, Dusty follows the highs and lows of Springfield’s rise from middle class suburban London to the recording of her seminal album Dusty in Memphis. Including classic footage of Dusty performing her story as seen through the eyes of Nancy Jones, one of Dusty’s childhood friends and other key figures who accompanied her on her journey, Dusty celebrates the life of one of Britain’s most influential recording artists. The cast comprises Ellie Ann-Lowe (Mary O’Brien), Francesca Jackson (Nancy), Stewart McCheyne (DJ Dave Dean), Ben Tolley (Johnny Franz), Leo Elso (Dion … Read more

Gypsy Extends West End Run

Imelda Staunton in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre London

Following the resounding critical response to the opening of Gypsy in the West End, the show has announced an extension and is now booking at the Savoy Theatre until 28 November 2015. BritishTheatre.com’s lead critic Stephen Collins gave the show an unprecedented 6 star review saying “Staunton is simply magnificent as Rose. In absolutely every way” and  calling the production “the event of the decade“. This is the first time that Gypsy has been seen in the West End for forty years. It is considered by many to be the greatest of the classic Broadway musicals. The story of the Burleque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy is the story of the ultimate showbiz mother Rose and her daughters June and Louise. Gypsy is not to be missed. Tickets are still available but they won’t last long. BOOK TICKETS TO GYPSY READ STEPHEN’S 6 STAR REVIEW OF GYPSY

Nicole Kidman Returns To The West End Stage

Nicole Kidman returns to the West End with the Michael Grandage Company in Photograph 51

Nicole Kidman will return to the West End stage with the Michael Grandage Company in September 2015. Kidman will play the role of Rosalind Franklin in Photograph 51, a new play by Anna Ziegler. The production is the play’s UK premiere and reunites Grandage and Kidman following their recent collaboration on the feature film Genius. Michael Grandage said , “We’re thrilled to be returning to the West End with Nicole Kidman in Photograph 51 at such a vibrant time for London theatre.” Does Rosalind Franklin know how precious her photograph is? In the race to unlock the secret of life it could be the one to hold the key. With rival scientists looking everywhere for the answer, who will be first to see it and more importantly, understand it? Anna Ziegler’s extraordinary play looks at the woman who cracked DNA and asks what is sacrificed in the pursuit of science, … Read more

Women On The Verge To Close

Women On The Verge Of a Nervous Breakdown The Musical to Close at the Playhouse Theatre London

It was announced today the Women On the Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown, currently playing at the Playhouse Theatre will close on May 23, 2015. Based on the 1998 Pedro Almodovar film of the same name, the show starred Tamsin Greig and Haydyn Gwynne, who both received Olivier Award nominations for their performances in the musical. Producers released a statement saying: “We’re very proud of this production, our superb cast and creative team, and the wonderful critical and audience response during the season.” It is believed the musical will now be staged outside the UK with productions planned for Germany, Japan and Australia. Meanwhile tickets are still available for performances up to May 23,2015.

Anything Goes UK Tour Cut Short

Debbie Kurup stars in the 2015 UK and Ireland tour of Cole Porter's Anything Goes

It has been announced that the current national tour of Anything Goes will close four months earlier than planned. Anything goes was a co-production between Sheffield Theatres and Stage Entertainment and starred Debbie Kurup and Matt Rawle.  Kurup tweeted that she was ‘devastated and angry’ that the show was closing early. Anything Goes will plays its last performance on May 30 at the Grand Opera House in Belfast. For information on the remaining tour dates visit out Anything Goes page.

Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company At The Garrick

Kenneth Branagh Company announces further casting for The Winter's Tale and Harlequinade

Kenneth Branagh is back in the West End with a series of plays being presented at the Garrick Theatre under the banner of the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company. Commencing in October 2015 and running for a year this venture will be under the direction of central creative team which includes central artistic associates Rob Ashford, Christopher Oram and Director/ Adaptor Sean Foley. An ensemble of exception artists including Ron Brydon, Judi Dench, Lily James and Richard Madden are already confirmed with further casting to be announced. THE WINTERʼS TALE By William Shakespeare 17 October 2015 – 16 January 2016 READ OUR 6 STAR REVIEW Shakespeareʼs timeless tragicomedy of obsession and redemption is re-imagined in a new production co-directed by Rob Ashford and Kenneth Branagh, following their triumphant staging of Macbeth in Manchester and Manhattan. Judi Dench will play Paulina, Kenneth Branagh will play Leontes. ALL ON HER OWN / HARLEQUINADE … Read more

GALLERY: Gypsy Opening Night

Angela Lansbury and Imelda Staunton at the opening night of Gypsy in London

Gypsy opened last night in London in front of a star-studded audience and to critical raves. Starring Imelda Staunton as Mamma Rose, Peter Davison as Herbie and Lara Pulver as Louise, London’s original Momma Rose – Angela Lansbury was in the audience. Gypsy is directed by Jonathan Kent, with book by Arthur Laurents, Gypsy has music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, choreography by Stephen Mear, designs by Anthony Ward, musical direction and orchestration by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Mark Henderson and sound by Paul Groothuis. Read our review for Gypsy. BOOK TICKETS FOR GYPSY