Is Something Rotten Headed To The West End?

Something Rotten musical

It has been reported in tonight’s London Evening Standard that one of the hottest new musicals on Broadway may be headed to the West End of London sooner than anticipated. Spoofing Shakespeare, Something Rotten is about two brothers who frustrated by a hack called Shakespeare inadvertently write the first musical. Critically acclaimed and nominated for ten Tony Awards it looks set to be an enormous Broadway hit. Something Rotten is directed by Casey Nicolaw who directed The Book Of Mormon and is also responsible for Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway. Producer Kevin McCollum, whose credits include Avenue Q and Rent, said: “The idea of a musical set in Shakespeare’s time and having characters compete with him is something people are responding to. I love bringing shows to London and hope to send the show there.” Something Rotten has been compared to Spamalot and that show’s Monty Python creator Eric Idle reportedly told the Standard: … Read more

Fanny And Stella at Above The Stag

Fanny and Stella at Above The Stage in London

Daring to be different may well be considered acceptable in modern times but spare a thought for Ernest Boulton and Frederick Park, two cross dressers in Victorian England. Showy and theatrical on and off the stage, which they so loved, Fanny and Stella were arrested at The Strand Theatre in 1870. They appeared in court next morning still in their evening gowns, and the trial for homosexual offences of this judge’s son and a bank clerk was the sensation of the age, especially when Boulton’s respectable and accepting mother, Mary Ann, took the stand. Their ultimate acquittal is all the more fascinating when compared to Oscar Wilde’s imprisonment less than 30 years later. Fanny and Stella: The Shocking True Story makes it’s debut at the Above The Stage Theatre, London’s only full time professional LGBT theatre on 13 May running until June 14,2015. This new play with original music has … Read more

Mess Headlines Imaginate Before Touring

Caroline Horton stars in Mess at Imaginate prior to a Uk Tour

Olivier Award nominee, Caroline Horton, will revive her 2012 hit Mess for audiences of children and young people on the main stage of the Traverse Theatre as part of Scotland’s Imaginate Festival before a UK tour. Following its award-winning debut at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2012 (The Stage Award for Best Ensemble), Mess has toured throughout the UK, visiting theatres, arts centres, schools and colleges, also providing workshops for young people to help open up a conversation on the subject matter. Based on Caroline’s own experiences of anorexia, this funny and poignant play with songs is a three hander about obsession, addiction and letting go. Josephine is putting on a play – Boris and Sistahl help. It’s about anorexia. But don’t let that put you off. Unflinchingly they confront big issues (and extremely tiny ones). Today they will tackle a particularly thin elephant in the room. Obsession, addiction and not … Read more

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.