New Faces Join Phantom Cast – August 2016

Book now for The Phantom Of the Opera

The Phantom Of The Opera, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s unstoppable worldwide mega-hit is heading towards its 30th birthday in London’s West End and a few new faces are joining the cast. Continuing in their current roles are Ben Forster as The Phantom, Celinde Schoenmaker as Christine Daae, Nadim Naaman as Raoul, Megan Llewellyn as Carlotta and Jacinta Mulcahy as Madame Giry. From Monday 5 September 2016, new cast members will include Siôn Lloyd (Titanic, The Bodyguard) as Monsieur Firmin; Mark Oxtoby ( Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Oh What A Lovely War!) as Monsieur Andre; Paul Ettore Tabone (Love Never Dies) as Piangi and Daisy Hulbert (National Moravian-Silesian Ballet) as Meg. The Phantom Of The Opera has won over 70 major theatre swards including seven Tony awards on Broadway and three Olivier Awards in the West End. It is the first stage production to reach world-wide grosses of USD$6 billion, surpassing … Read more

Andrew Lloyd Webber Celebrate Three Shows Currently On Broadway

Andrew celebrates having 3 shows runnng consecitvely on Broadway

The first-ever Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, CATS opened last night (31 July 2016) at the Neil Simon Theatre. After the triumphant opening night performance, celebrity guests celebrated with Andrew Lloyd Webber, star Leona Lewis, and the New Generation of CATS with a Jellicle Ball at Gotham Hall. Earlier in the evening, Andrew Lloyd Webber celebrated three shows currently running on Broadway with a photo opportunity backstage that included Leona Lewis (as Grizabella from CATS), Alex Brightman (as Dewey Finn from School of Rock – The Musical) and James Barbour (as the Phantom from The Phantom of the Opera). BOOK NOW FOR SCHOOL OF ROCK ON BROADWAY BOOK NOW FOR CATS ON BROADWAY BOOK NOW FOR THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA ON BROADWAY

REVIEW: Jesus Christ Superstar, Regent Park Open Air Theatre ✭✭✭

Book now for Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar Regent Park Open Air Theatre 21 July 2016 3 stars Book Now In the midst of a summer of variably air conditioned theatres, what a relief to bask in the midsummer night at Regent Park Open Air Theatre. The third of a quartet of summer plays, Jesus Christ Superstar makes its first return to London since the arena-rock version at the O2 in 2012. The combination of the remarkable venue, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s infectious riffs and Tim Rice’s sharp lyrics means that production was never going to be a flop. As you might expect in an outdoor show this was a fairly stripped back affair, with simpler costumes and minimal props. It is a sparkly production in many senses; not only does it have an ‘X Factor’ sheen throughout but glitter is used in place of blood. The bright spot of this production is Tyrone Huntley as … Read more

FIRST LOOK: Jesus Christ Superstar Rehearsals

Book now for Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

BritishTheatre.com is pleased to bring you these great rehearsal room images from the forthcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar which is being staged as part of this years season at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. With lyrics by Tim Rice abd music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar stars Declan Bennett who plays the role of Jesus. Declan was the original lead in the London cast of Once (Phoenix), and has also appeared in Boy George’s musical Taboo (Venue Theatre), Rent (US tour and Broadway), American Idiot (Broadway) as well as on BBC’s EastEnders as Charlie Cotton. As a solo singer-songwriter, his album Record:BREAKUP was released as a live acoustic version in 2013. He achieved five UK Top 20 singles and a UK Top 20 album with Brit Award nominated band Point Break. The following casting has also been confirmed. Tyrone Huntley will play Judas, with Anoushka Lucas … Read more

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School Of Rock – Now On Sale

School of Rock Musical Tour

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical School Of Rock will open at the New London Theatre on 24 October 2016. The musical is based on the film of the same name starring Jack Black which opened on Broadway to critical acclaim. The show garnered 20 Broadway Theatre Awards nominations including four Tony Nominations – Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score and Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. Down-on-his-luck wannabe rock star Dewey Finn poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school to make ends meet. When he discovers his students’ musical talents, he enlists his fifth-graders to form a rock group and conquer the Battle of the Bands. School of Rock features music from the movie, as well as new music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Glenn Slater and a book by Julian Fellowes. School of Rock – The Musical … Read more

Five Reasons To See: The Phantom Of the Opera

Celinde Schoenmaker as Christine Daae in The Phantom Of The Opera

This week, we headed down to the West End to check out The Phantom of the Opera, which is still pulling in huge crowds 30 years since it opened. Here’s our top five reasons to join the millions who have seen it. 1. Set and staging The show is a visual feast, with Maria Björnson’s set design still inspiring awe after all these years. Whether it’s the smoke filled gondolas or majestic staircases, it makes for a spectacular and surprising experience. Combined with Harold Prince’s direction and Gillian Lynne’s choreography, Phantom still wows 30 years later. 2. Costumes The show is also resplendent with some wonderful costumes, particularly during the Masquerade sequence at the start of the second half. Set in 1881, Phantom takes advantage of the colour and elaborateness of the period’s outfits. You may leave lamenting that we do not still wear gowns and top hats! 3. Music … Read more

OPENING NIGHT: Sunset Boulevard

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard with Glenn Close

BritishTheatre.com is pleased to bring you these great images of the Opening Night of Sunset Boulevard at the London Coliseum. This semi-staged production stars the incomparable Glenn Close, Michael Xavier, Siobhan Dillon and Fred Johnason together with the 48 piece ENO Orchestra.

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