Suffice to say that Barton and Hall attempt to clarify the bewildering blizzard of switched allegiances, broken promises and inconclusive battles that form the later section of Shakespeare’s Henry plays, and largely succeed in doing so.
Henry VI stands out as the play in this triptych that most benefits from Barton’s editing and clarifications. Characters and scenes are cut away in profusion to reveal a focus on the nature of good and bad governance.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical Cats is back in the UK for a series of limited engagements in Blackpool, London and Manchester. Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats, the musical played to sell-out houses at the London Palladium last Christmas. The show will feature Jane MacDonald int he role of Grizabella in Blackpool with Beverley Knight taking on the role at the London Palladium with further casting to be announced. Directed by Trevor Nunn, choreography by Gillian Lynne and design by John Napier, the show holds the record for the show holds the title of sixth longest-running show in the West End and third longest running show on Broadway. CATS UK TOUR PAST DATES Edinburgh Playhouse Monday 4 July – Saturday 9 July 2016 Liverpool Empire Monday 11 – Saturday 16 July 2016 Princess Theatre Torquay Tuesday 30 August – Saturday 3 September 2016 Kings … Read more
Trevor Nunn will direct The War Of The Roses, a gripping adaptation of four of Shakespeare’s history plays at the Rose Theatre Kingston in rep from 16 September until 31 October 2015. The adaptation features William Shakespare’s Henry VI Parts I, II and III and Richard III. The War Of The Roses is a trilogy of plays first produced at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 by company founders John Barton and Peter Hall about one of the most intriguing and tumultuous periods of British history – the 15th Century conflict between the House Of York and the House Of Lancaster for the throne of England. The War Of The Roses will be performed by an acting company of 20 professional actors, combined with a local community chorus to complete the ensemble. This will be the largest company to play the Rose’s stage since the theatre opened. Director Trevor Nunn … Read more
Beverley Knight is to take on the role of Grizabella when Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical Cats returns to the London Palladium this October. Beverley Knight said: “To be asked to join the company of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s historic show was so exciting and totally unexpected as, vocally, I am so different to the many incredible women who have sung the classic Memory over the years. To follow in their footsteps is something to truly relish! I am really looking forward to transforming into Grizabella with her fabulous costume and amazing make up and to be playing the role at the London Palladium. Working with Andrew will be a real privilege.” Currently starring as Felicia in Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre and was previously seen in the role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre. Beverley follows Nicole Scherzinger and Kerry Ellis who both played the role … Read more
Due to popular demand Cats has extended its booking period until 25th April 2015. Over 100,000 tickets are now on sale for the extended booking period . It was also announced that Kerry Ellis will take over from Nicole Scherzinger from 9th February 2015 in the role of Grizabella. Kerry Ellis has played Elphaba in Wicked both in the West End and on Broadway. Her other theatre credits include The War Of The Worlds Arena Tour, Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Les Miserables at the Queens Theatre, We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre and My Fair Lady at the National Theatre and in the West End. Cats returned to the West End stage last month under the direction of the shows original creative team including Trevor Nunn, Gillian Lynne, Andrew Lloyd Weber and John Napier. BOOK TICKETS FOR CATS THE MUSICAL AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM
If you have never seen Les Miserables, this is a good year to see it; if you have seen it, this cast provides fresh approaches and interesting nuance to scenes you think you know very well and characters you think can no longer surprise you.
This production of Cats, certainly inspired some heated conversations over the weekend, but what it also revived in me was my love of the show itself and it’s place in awakening my love of musicals, a love that I daresay will never leave me. These long-running shows wrote new rules for musicals and continue to do so.
