Douglas Mayo

Douglas Mayo has had a life long love affair with musical theatre. He has authored several books on publicity and marketing for amateur theatre groups. He is in the process of developing a musical based on his original story concept.

Women On The Verge To Close

News, West End
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

News, Touring
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

News, West End
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

Gallery, News, West End
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  

A 6 Star Review – Why?

News, Reviews, West End
Imelda Staunton in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre London

Every so often a piece of theatre surpasses expectations and gives a reviewer pause when writing his/her review. At the conclusion of the show, and after writing their review, it was time to settle on the star rating, which is normally marked up to five stars. Star ratings are an arbitrary process in any event, and always reflect the individual reaction to a particular performance. Only on one previous occasion has the reviewer approached me as Managing Editor to ask the question “What if 5 stars just isn’t enough?” On both occasions, the reviewers in question they both explained that they felt the shows were thrillingly performed and perfectly staged. 5 stars just didn’t seem enough. After consultation, an executive decision was made to allow certain extraordinary shows to be awarded BritishTheatre.com’s rarely awarded 6 Star rating. This is a rare accolade and is only awarded to the most exceptional … Read more

First Look at Finding Neverland On Broadway

Broadway, Gallery, News
Matthew Morrison from Glee and Laura Michelle Kelly in Finding Neverland on Broadway

Finding Neverland opens tonight on Broadway following a Sold Out preview period, and we are pleased to bring you some of the great production photos from this show. Finding Neverland On Broadway stars Matthew Morrison (Glee, Hairspray), Kelsey Grammer (Frasier, La Cage Aux Folles), Britain’s very own Laura Michelle Kelly (Mary Poppins) and Carolee Carmello (Parade). Based on the Miramax film of the same name, Finding Neverland follows playwright J.M. Barrie as he summons the courage to become the writer – and the man – he yearns to be. Barrie finds the inspiration he’s been missing when he meets the beautiful widow Sylvia and her four young sons: Jack, George, Michael and Peter. Delighted by the boys’ hilarious escapades, Barrie conjures the magical world of Neverland and writes a play unlike any the high-society London theatre-goers have ever seen. It’s a tremendous risk, but as Barrie himself has discovered— when … Read more

Wicked The Musical Ticket Upgrade Offer

News, West End
Wicked London is offering an exclusive ticket upgrade offer if you book by Friday

To celebrate Wicked London winning the ITV This Morning Audience Award at Sunday’s Olivier Awards, BritishTheatre.com is pleased to offer our readers a great ticket upgrade offer on Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre for a strictly limited time. This is the second time that Wicked has won the prestigious Audience Award and comes as the show becomes the 10th longest running show in the West End. The show continues to astound and astonish audiences of all ages with its enthralling story, incredible songs and dazzling technical wizardry. The show is based on the international best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’. Wicked Upgrade Offer This Morning Audience Olivier Award Winner Buy a £45 seat and get a free upgrade to a seat worth £65. Take advantage of our fantastic Wicked offer, buy a … Read more

Top-Selling Tours April 2015

News, Touring
Jesus Christ Superstar on tour in the UK

Here at BritishTheatre.com we want to promote theatre all over the UK. There are so many great touring productions currently performing and about to launch at the moment we thought we’d highlight some of the top-selling tours that you seem to be loving at the moment. If you haven’t already booked your tickets don’t leave it too long. Priscilla Queen Of The Desert Starring Duncan James from Blue, Priscilla is being fired up for that legendary trip into the Australian outback. Featuring songs like I Will Survive, It’s Raining Men, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Hot Stuff, this is a great night in the theatre. BOOK NOW Mary Poppins The Disney classic is back this year with all the Poppins magic you’ve come to know and love. The tour kicks off in Leicester in October this year. Tickets for Leicester, Manchester and Bristol are already on sale. BOOK NOW … Read more