News

Jules Verne’s Classic Tales Comes To The St James Theatre

News, Off West End
Around The World in 80 Days at the St James Theatre

A new stage production of Jules Verne’s classic 1873 novel, Around the World in 80 Days, directed by Lucy Bailey, will open at the St. James Theatre this Christmas, just a stone’s throw from the Reform Club on Pall Mall where Phileas Fogg’s adventure begins. In an adaptation by playwright Laura Eason, a writer on hit Netflix series House of Cards, the production will run for eight weeks from 26 November 2015 – 16 January 2016, with casting will be announced shortly. Pack your bags for a trip Around the World in 80 Days. The majestically mysterious, fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days. Join Fogg and his loyal valet, Passepartout, as they voyage from the misty alleys of Victorian London to the exotic subcontinent and the wild west in a race against the clock. A cast of eight … Read more

Clwyd Theatr Cymru Appoints Tamara Harvey as Artistic Director

News, Regional
Tamara Harvey joins Vlwyd Theatr Cymru as Artistic Director

It was announced today that Tamara Harvey has been appointed the new Artistic Director of Clwyd Theatr Cymru from August 2015. She becomes the sixth Artistic Director in the theatre’s thirty-nine year history. On her appointment Tamara Harvey said: “I am thrilled to have been invited to be the artistic director of Clwyd Theatr Cymru at such an exciting moment in its history. Terry Hands has done an extraordinary job in building a family of artists and producing brilliant work for a growing loyal audience. Now, as the company moves into its fortieth year, I look forward to widening that circle: nurturing talent from Wales and beyond, and collaborating with companies and artists both near and far to ensure that this beacon of innovation on top of a hill in Mold is an inspiration for Wales, the UK and the rest of the world.” Tamara Harvey has directed in the … Read more

Curious Incident and Hamilton Major Drama Desk Winners

Broadway, Hamilton The Musical, News, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time
The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time On Broadway

The National Theatre’s production of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time picked up six Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Play, Oustanding Actor In A Play and Outstanding Director Of A Play, beaten only by Hamilton, the new musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda that won seven awards, the first time since 1983 that an Off-Broadway show (Little Shop Of Horrors) has beaten its Broadway counterparts. Helen Mirren won Oustanding Actress In A Play for her performance in The Audience. Jim Dale’s one man show Just Jim Dale currently on stage in London won Best Revue. The Drama Desk Awards, given annually in a number of categories, are the only major New York City theater honors for which productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway compete against each other in the same category. Formed in 1949 by a group of New York City theater critics, editors, reporters, and publishers, … Read more

Mary Poppins – Further Tour Dates Announced

Mary Poppins the musical, News, Touring
Mary Poppins

A further three stops have been announced on the forthcoming tour of the sward-winning musical Mary Poppins. In addition to dates in Leicester, Bristol, Bublin, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Southampton, Mary will now also fly into Norwich, Plymouth and Newcastle. Casting for the tour will be announced soon. Dates and on sale details are shown on our Mary Poppins tour page.

LGBT Musical Facing East Gets Charity Staging

Events, LGBT, News, West End
Harriet Thorpe narrates Facing East in Concert at London's Lyric Theatre

New musical Facing East will be presented in concert at the Lyric Shaftesbury Avenue in a concert version in aid of Pride In London and Stonewall. The event will be hosted by the Wicked and Ab Fab regular Harriet Thorpe, and will feature Rebecca Lock, Alasdair Harvey, Peter DiCesare and Michael Vinsen Based on Carol Lynn Pearson’s stirring play, Facing East is a new and intimate musical by David Rigano and Mark-Eugene Garcia. The musical follows an upstanding American Mormon couple who unexpectedly meet their gay son’s partner whilst dealing with his death. When they’re forced to face a reality long ignored, they must balance their beliefs with their emotions and make peace with this stranger in order to make peace with their loss. Now making its UK premiere for one night only at the Lyric Theatre, this is one of the first opportunities to hear the soaring new score … Read more

Alison Jiear Joins Cast of 3 Little Pigs

News, West End
Alison Jiear joins the cast of the 3 Little Pigs.

It was announced today the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Alison Jiear will join the cast of The 3 Little Pigs, the new musical by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe playing the role of Mummy Pig. The Olivier nominated actress will be performing alongside Simon Webbe (Blue, Strictly Come Dancing, Sister Act), Gareth Gates (Pop Idol, Dancing On Ice, Les Miserables) and Leanne Jones (Hairspray). This Great Big Little West End show premieres at the Palace Theatre on 5th August 2015. Book Now

London Road Trailer Released

News, Video, West End
London Road cinema trailer released.

The cinema trailer for London Road, the award-winning musical that premiered at the National Theatre has now been released. The movie, which is directed by Rufus Norris features Olivia Coleman, Anita Dobson, Tom Hardy and the entire original National Theatre cast. Purchase London Road on DVD from Amazon https://youtu.be/I8NxcsH9o4A

REVIEW: As You Like It, Shakespeare’s Globe ✭✭✭

News, Off West End, Reviews
As You Like It At Shakespeare's Globe

Blanche McIntyre, whose revival of As You Like It now at the Globe, uses every trick in the book to make Shakespeare’s play clear (it is, very), risqué (it is, very), engaging (it is, almost always) and funny (it is, often). There is music, dancing, cross-dressing, the carcass of a deer, lusty jostling, a tap-dancing clown, and a cross-dressing God of Marriage. There is much for the groundlings to delight in, as well as a few “oohs” and “awws”.