Matthew Warchus

FIRST LOOK: Tim Minchin’s new musical Groundhog Day

Features, Gallery, News, West End
Book now for Groundhog Day at the Old Vic Theatre

We are pleased to bring you these great rehearsal room images of Groundhog Day, Tim Minchin’s much anticipated new musical. Artistic Director of The Old Vic Matthew Warchus, composer and lyricist Tim Minchin, choreographer Peter Darling, and designer Rob Howell, four of the creators of the international musical sensation Matilda The Musical, have joined forces with writer Danny Rubin to collaborate on a new musical based on his 1993 hit film Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day is the story of Phil Connors (Andy Karl), a cynical Pittsburgh TV weatherman who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in the isolated small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, when he finds himself caught in a time loop, forced to repeat the same day again and again…and again. As each day plays out exactly the same as before, Phil becomes increasingly despondent, but is there a lesson to be learnt through his experiences, … Read more

The Old Vic 2016-17 Season. Now On Sale

News, West End
Book now for the 2016-17 season at the Old Vic

Artistic Director Matthew Warchus has announced his second season at London’s Old Vic Theatre with a wide-ranging programme that includes world premieres, new writing, musicals, classic revivals and The Old Vic Variety Nights. Click here to book tickets for the 2016-17 Old Vic Season Season 2 marks Glenda Jackson’s return to the stage, to play the title role in King Lear, directed by Deborah Warner. The Season opens with the world premiere of Samuel Beckett’s monologue No’s Knife with Lisa Dwan. Matthew directs the 20th anniversary production of Yasmina Reza’s Art and John Boyega stars in a new version of Woyzeck adapted by Jack Thorne. In 2017 and beyond, look out for the return of Season 1’s dazzlingly funny, moving and inspiring show Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, a 50th anniversary celebratory production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard, a world premiere adaptation of Ingmar Bergman’s classic film, … Read more

Exclusive Pre-Sale Period For Tim Minchin’s Groundhog Day at The Old Vic Now Open

News, West End
Book Now for Yim Minchin's new musical groundhog Day at the Old Vic

Following the international success of his first musical Matilda, Tim Minchin is back with his new musical Groundhog Day. BritishTheatre.com and Encore Tickets are pleased to announce an exclusive pre-sale booking period for Groundhog Day at The Old Vic where it will be presented from 11 July – 17 September 2016. Tim has teamed up with Danny Rubin to collaborate on this new musical based on the 1993 hit film. Andy Karl’s numerous Broadway credits include On the Twentieth Century, Rocky, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Jersey Boys, Wicked, 9 to 5, Legally Blonde, The Wedding Singer and Saturday Night Fever. Join us this summer for the world premiere of Groundhog Day a new musical directed by Old Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus. Groundhog Day is the story of Phil Connors (Andy Karl), a cynical Pittsburgh TV weatherman who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in the … Read more

REVIEW: The Hairy Ape, Old Vic Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Reviews, West End
Bertie Carvell in The Hairy Ape at the Old Vic. Photo: Manuel Harlan

O’Neill’s play has lost none of its power or resonance. It still feels as shocking and new today as no doubt it did in 1922. Jones’ revelatory and evocative production is not just beautiful to look at, easy to follow and enthralling – it also reminds that the questions of oppression, disparity and injustice which concerned O’Neill then are still pertinent. The world may not turn to the tune of industrialists quite so much in the 21st Century, but there is still a clear, powerful and rich elite and workers whose lives are made hideous while the rich get richer.

Simon Lipkin To Play The Lorax At Old Vic

News, West End
Simon Lipkin in Dr Zuess's The LOrax at the Old Vic

It has been announced that Simon Lipkin (Avenue Q, Assassins, I Can’t Sing, Rock Of Ages) will play the title role in David Greig’s adaptation of Dr Seuss’s The Lorax. Simon will perform alongside puppeteers Laura Cubitt and Ben Thompson, with Simon Paisley Day playing the role of the Once-ler. Inspired by Dr. Suess’s classic tale, Dr Suess’s The Lorax tells of a moutachioed and cantankerous critter who’s on a mission to protect the earth from the greedy, tree-chopping, Thneed-knitting businessman known only as the Once-ler. Dr Suess’s The Lorax is the third production in Matthew Warchus’ debut season as Artistic Director of the Old Vic. The production is bought to the stage by Max Webster, with design by Rob Howell and chreography by Drew McOnie. Dr Seuss’s The Lorax runs at the Old Vic from 3rd December 2015 to 16 January 2016 BUY TICKETS FOR THE LORAX AT THE … Read more

Matilda – Shubert Theatre

Matilda the musical West End, News
Matilda on Broadway
From the novel Matilda by children’s favourite Roald Dahl comes this magical offering from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Having thrilled audiences on London’s West End, Matilda the Musical is now entrancing Broadway, receiving standing ovations and winning a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards, including Best Musical. Young Matilda Wormwood is finding it tough. She’s super intelligent but no-one seems to notice. She’s ignored by her TV-addicted family and bullied by her scary headmistress but one day Matilda makes an incredible discovery: she has some very special powers. A story that will capture the imagination of both young and old, Matilda the Musical breathes new life into Dahl’s beloved tale. A supremely talented cast of adult and child actors as well as stunning set design and ingenious props deliver an inspiring, hilarious and exuberant production. Playing at New York’s Shubert Theater, this tale of imagination and determination is one that should be ... Read more

REVIEW: Future Conditional, Old Vic ✭✭✭✭

Reviews, West End
Future Conditional at the Old Vic

There is a joy to this piece that is impossible to truly describe in words—it has the boisterous nature of Spring Awakening (the musical) but without sung through moments, although the two school uniformed guitarists who make up the pit (or rather balcony) band certainly make you wonder when Melchior is going to come on stage with his wireless hand mic. But where Spring Awakening digs into the cold, Future Conditional runs to the warmth of the cliched hearth.

Kevin Spacey CBE Receives Special Olivier Award

News, West End
Kevin Spacey receives special Olivier award for his work as artistic director of the Old Vic

The acclaimed actor, Kevin Spacey, will be presented with a Special Award at the Olivier Awards 2015 with MasterCard ceremony on Sunday 12 April at London’s Royal Opera House. The award will acknowledge the actor, director and producer’s extraordinary contribution to The Old Vic and to British theatre. Kevin Spacey revived the fortunes and reputation of The Old Vic when he became Artistic Director in 2004 and, as an actor, has delighted audiences on The Old Vic stage and around the world. Through his inspirational leadership, he has placed The Old Vic back at the heart of London theatre and secured its reputation on the international stage. His commitment to Old Vic New Voices, The Old Vic’s mentoring programme for emerging talent, and The Old Vic’s education and community work, has made a significant impact on the lives of 100,000 young people and local residents in one of London’s most … Read more