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1 Mar
2012

Thursday Theatre News: RSC, Omid Djalili, Shrek and The Globe’s West End Transfer

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Firstly, news of one of my favourite theatre company’s coming to the West End this year. The ever-brilliant Royal Shakespeare Company are bringing David Edgar’s Written on the Heart to the Duchess Theatre for a strictly limited run, opening on Shakespeare’s birthday: 23 April.

RSC veterans Oliver Ford Davies and Stephen Boxer will star in the drama, which marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible. Edgar’s play tells the story of two men translating the word of God into English: for one, it means death at the stake, for the other, it could bring an archbishop’s mitre.

Another exciting piece of transfer news this week: Mark Rylance’s Shakespeare’s Globe productions Richard III and Twelfth Night (the latter starring Stephen Fry) are moving to the Apollo Theatre in the West End from 2 November. It’s a long time to wait, but I think tickets are going to sell fast, so be quick if you want to see these shows!

An earlier play for your calendars is What The Butler Saw, also announced this week. Comic Omid Djalili, who you might’ve seen in Oliver at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane a couple of years’ ago, will lead the cast of this new production. What The Butler Saw is a comedy of twists, coincidences and sharp one-liners, by Joe Orton, and will play at the Vaudeville Theatre from 4 May to 25 August.

Fans of The Inbetweeners should look out for Blake Harrison (Neil from the show) making his West End debut in Rob Hayes’s Step 9 (Of 12) at the Trafalgar Studios, also in May. Step 9 (Of 12) sees Harrison playing Keith, a drug and alcohol addict, apologising for his past. But as his earlier actions are assessed, it becomes clear they have shocking repercussions for the present.

Finally, Shrek The Musical has announced a new “school night” performance schedule: starting Wednesday night shows at the more kid-friendly time of 7pm. The team have also introduced a new family ticket package for Wednesday and Thursday evening performances with prices starting at £99, making it more affordable for families to see the hit show.

And on 16 May, Shrek will play a special, relaxed performance for children with special needs: tickets are free for the kids, and just £5 for adults. This one-off show is presented by theatre educational charity, Mousetrap Theatre Projects. For more info on the work they do, check out their website.

22 Dec
2011

Six New London Theatre Shows To Look Forward To in 2012

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2012 is certainly going to be an exciting year for theatre lovers. With the incredible variety of exciting new plays and productions available in London each year, it’s great to be able to pick out a few highlights for the coming 12 months.

As with last year, I’ve selected these for their starry casts, as well as the promise of fabulous productions. Autograph books at the ready…

1. The Madness of George III, Apollo Theatre, from 18 Jan
I can’t wait to see Olivier Award-winning actor David Haig in Alan Bennett’s brilliant play. He’s already had rave reviews for performances in Bath, and I loved seeing him in Yes, Prime Minister last year, so this is one of next January’s hottest tickets for me.

2. Hay Fever, Noël Coward Theatre, from 10 Feb
I’m a big fan of Lindsay Duncan, Jeremy Northam and Olivia Colman, so I can’t wait to see them all together in Noël Coward’s Hay Fever at the Noël Coward Theatre in February.

3. All New People, Duke of Yorks Theatre, from 22 Feb
Another year, another American star wants to come and perform in our inimitable West End. This time Scrubs’ Zach Braff is bringing his new play, All New People, to London. And he’s starring in it too. While he’s not to everyone’s taste, I like Scrubs and Braff’s film, Garden State, so am interested in seeing this show when it comes to London.

4. Wild Swans, Young Vic, from 13 Apr
Any Harry Potter fans out there should check out Wild Swans at the Young Vic this spring: it stars Harry Potter actor Katie Leung as the character based on Jung Chang in a new stage version of the famous story.

5. Mark Rylance at the Globe, from 7 Jun
Mark Rylance is one of my all-time favourite actors. And knowing that he’s returning to my favourite theatre in London, Shakespeare’s Globe, is just so exciting. Plus he’s playing the lead in Richard III and Olivia in an all-male Twelfth Night – two of the bard’s greatest plays. Booking opens on 13 February: don’t miss out!

6. King Lear, Almeida Theatre, from 31 Aug
Another exciting addition to the World Shakespeare Festival is Jonathan Pryce playing King Lear at the Almeida next summer. I loved Pryce as the villain in Tomorrow Never Dies, and when I saw him on stage in My Fair Lady. I can’t help thinking he’ll be an amazing Lear.

What plays are you looking forward to seeing in 2012? Let us know in the comments below.

29 Sep
2011

Thursday Theatre News: Matilda, The Globe, Idina Menzel, Anthony Sher and Lauren Samuels

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If you’re excited about catching up with Glee tonight, you might also want to look into securing tickets to see Idina Menzel at the Royal Albert Hall next month. Idina, who plays Rachel Barry’s mum, is performing a one-off show accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra on 6 October.

Do you have tickets for Matilda previews? Then you may be contacted by the RSC to rearrange your dates: the first five previews have been cancelled, and opening night has been rescheduled for 24 November. Executive Producer Andre Ptaszynski explains the delay:

“Matilda has a cast made up of three different teams of young actors and four young actresses in the title role. This means that, unlike other shows, we cannot extend everyone’s working hours, take shortcuts and reduce the number of dress rehearsals to meet the date of the first preview.”

The other big news this week comes from Shakespeare’s Globe. I was lucky enough to head down there this week to find out all about their incredible Globe to Globe season. Artistic Director Dominic Dromgoole was as inspiring as ever with his tales of far-off places desperate to perform at what’s become the world’s “temple to Shakespeare”. There’s not enough space to tell you about all of it here, but check out their incredible website to whet your appetites. Tickets go on general sale on 17 October. See you there!

This Week’s Cast News:

15 Sep
2011

Thursday Theatre News: Matt Willis, Adam Cooper, Laurie Metcalf and the Gruffalo

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London’s theatreland is planning ahead for Christmas (please don’t groan!).

I’ve got three Christmassy announcements, the first from the Old Vic, which is reviving Michael Frayn’s hugely successful comedy Noises Off, directed by Lindsay Posner, over the festive period. Second, a new musical version of Swallows and Amazons will be produced by the National Theatre at the Vaudeville for Christmas; with music by Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy. And children’s favourite, The Gruffalo will be bringing its terrible tusks and terrible claws to the Lyric for morning and afternoon performances from November to January.

The other new shows announced this week are even further ahead. If you’re planning a theatre trip for next year, you can choose between Singin’ In The Rain at the Palace Theatre, starring Adam Cooper and Scarlett Strallen from February (a transfer of the Chichester Festival Theatre hit); or She Stoops To Conquer at the National Theatre starring Sophie Thompson, Steve Pemberton and Katherine Kelly from January.

And reaching even further into the crystal ball of theatrical future, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has announced its plans for 2012. It’ll stage A Midsummer Night’s Dream and contemporary musical Ragtime from May to September next year. Book before the end of April 2012, and you’ll get a special ticket price of £20.12 on all performances during the Games themselves (25 July to 12 August).

This week’s casting news:

More next week…

28 Jul
2011

Thursday Theatre News: 2012, Thandie Newton, Karen Gillan and David Suchet

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This week seems to have been dominated by news of London 2012. And London’s theatreland has been getting in on the action too. More than 20 shows have released tickets for the Olympic period, to ensure audiences can book theatre tickets if they’re coming to town for the Olympics or the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

For a full list of shows that have extended their booking into 2012, check out the Official London Theatre website.

Edward Hall’s all-male theatre company Propeller have also announced their 2012 plans. They’ll perform their Shakespearean pairing of Henry V and The Winter’s Tale at the Hampstead Theatre from 4 to 21 July.

Before we get to that all-important Olympic year, there’s still exciting casting news to think about. This week’s announcements include:

  • Hollywood star Thandie Newton, who’ll appear in Ariel Dorfman’s Death And The Maiden at the Comedy Theatre from October
  • Doctor Who star Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) is making her professional stage debut in Inadmissible Evidence at the Donmar, also in October
  • Another debut, this time from Hannah Spearritt (who you’ll know from Primeval, or if you’re my age, S Club 7!) in The Belle’s Stratagem at the Southwark Playhouse from September
  • And finally, a real favourite of mine, David Suchet’s going to be back on the London stage in Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night, at the Apollo Theatre. You’ll have to wait til next April for that one, I’m afraid.

Last of all if you’re a fan of London theatre: don’t forget Kids Week, next month!

2 Jun
2011

Thursday Theatre News: Julie Atherton, Tim Curry, Steven Webb and Justin Lee Collins

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If you’re in town on Sunday 26 June, you’re in luck! West End star Julie Atherton will be performing a one-off solo concert at the Apollo Theatre that night.

The former Avenue Q actress will sing tracks from her latest album No Space For Air as well as tunes from the shows that shaped her musical theatre career, like Mamma Mia!, Fame, The Last 5 Years and Ordinary Days. Helping her out will be Daniel Boys – who Atherton starred alongside in Avenue Q and Ordinary Days – and Richard Fleeshman, who’ll soon be starring as Sam in Ghost The Musical.

I have two exciting bits of cast news for you this week: comedian Justin Lee Collins is to play ageing hippy and bar owner Dennis Dupree in the forthcoming 80s jukebox musical Rock of Ages. Did you see his 2009 performance as Mr Cellophane in Chicago when it was on his Sky show JLC Is…? I thought it was great, and think he’ll love the chance to get on stage in the West End a second time.

Secondly, Steven Webb has joined the cast of comedy musical Betwixt! at the Trafalgar Studios next month. You might’ve seen Steven in: Departure Lounge at Waterloo East Theatre, The History Boys in the West End, The Long Road at Soho Theatre and Public Property at Trafalgar Studios. He also played Dick Whittington at the Lyric Hammersmith last Christmas. 

Sad news now, about Tim Curry having to leave the upcoming production of Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead, which open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket later this month.

I was so excited about seeing The Rocky Horror Picture Show star (and he’s in Annie! and It! and my favourite, Mr Boddy in Clue!), but it’s not going to happen. According to an official statement, an “on-going chest infection and repeated asthma attacks” led to Curry leaving the production, which is currently playing in Chichester ahead of its West End opening. For now, Chris Andrew Mellon is playing the Player, alongside Samuel Barnett and Jamie Parker in the title roles, while the directors “consider longer-term options.” I’ll obviously keep you posted.

17 Mar
2011

Thursday Theatre News: Lee Mead, Smash!, Almeida Theatre and Yes Prime Minister

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Omigod! Lee Mead is joining the cast of Legally Blonde from mid-June.

The winner of TV talent show Any Dream Will Do will replace original cast member Alex Gaumond in the role of Emmett Forest.

Since winning Any Dream Will Do, Lee Mead has starred in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (from 2007 to 2009) and more recently, as Fiyero in long-running musical Wicked. The announcement comes in a big week for Legally Blonde The Musical: the show won three awards at the Oliviers on Sunday.

It’s also great news for his wife, Denise van Outen, who’s currently playing in the same show. Can anyone give us any other husband and wife couples from West End musical casts? Tell us in the comments below, please!

And I’ve another piece of casting news, this time from the Menier Chocolate Factory. Their new musial, Smash! will now be starring West Wing star Richard Schiff instead of Kerry Shale, who has withdrawn from the show for personal reasons. Schiff joins Laurence Olivier Award winner Tom Conti in Jack Rosenthal’s rarely performed comedy.

In other theatre news this week, British writer Stephen Poliakoff is returning to theatre after 12 years, with a new play at the Almeida Theatre in the autumn. Poliakoff has written more for screen than stage in recent years, but returns with drama My City in September. Other news from the Almeida includes Neil LaBute’s Reasons To Be Pretty, coming to the theatre from November. If you’re a Neil LaBute fan, and you can’t wait for this, check out In A Forest, Dark And Deep currently showing at the Vaudeville.

Finally, last year’s hit production of Yes, Prime Minister is back! You can catch the pun-filled political powerplay at the Apollo Theatre from 6 July until 17 September. British PM Jim Hacker and Cabinet Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby will be played Richard McCabe and Simon Williams, who are currently starring in the touring production.

22 Jul
2010

Thursday Theatre News: Railway Extensions, Pam Ann & Kylie The Musical?

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Firstly, great news for anyone who’s still eager to see the great Railway Children, featuring that real life steam train at Waterloo Station. The show’s run has been extended until January, making this a great alternative to the flurry of pantos that are sure to grace London’s stages in the festive season.

Casting news for this week features a spot of déjà vu: Cold Feet duo Robert Bathurst and Hermione Norris are pairing up as husband and wife again, this time in Blithe Spirit at the Apollo Theatre. They’re joining the ever-brilliant Alison Steadman in Noel Coward’s ghostly comedy, which opens next year.

And I’ve got details about two hit shows returning to London too: the Olivier Award-winning Blackwatch comes to the Barbican this November as part of a season which features a Polish Macbeth and that birthday Les Miserables. And Pam Ann, the comedy air hostess creation of Aussie Caroline Reid, brings her stand-up show Flying High to the Vaudeville Theatre in September.

Finally, and most excitingly, I’ve heard rumours this week of a brand new musical featuring Kylie’s greatest hits! According to Company, Kylie says:

“Yes, (stylist and creative director) William Baker and I are working on getting the story written. I’m comfortable because it’s not my life story; it’s about the interpretation of my music.”

We’ve already been thinking of possible plot lines and titles here at VL towers. Better The Devil You Know? Fever? Tears on My Pillow? There are so many top hits to choose from! Add any other ideas to the comments below!

1 Jun
2010

All My Sons at London’s Apollo Theatre

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If you want to sink your teeth into a story of real depth All My Sons at the Apollo Theatre could be just what you’re looking for.

I saw this play last night and bawled my eyes out (there, I said it!). There are many light-hearted moments throughout but there is a constant underlying tension that bubbles beneath the surface in this bleak yet touching post-World War II story. The script, infused with this tension, encourages the audience to investigate the dark mysteries behind the perfect American family seen on stage.

The cast are no strangers to the stage and screen. Acting-royalty David Suchet and Zoë Wanamaker disappear expertly behind the characters of Joe and Kate Keller and are joined by a talented cast who transform into their close friends and family.

This intimate play is set in the mid-west of the USA and tells the intriguing story of the Keller family and their once-neighbours, the Deevers. Beneath the charm of their American 1940s smiles and laughter lies a stomach-wrenching truth that slowly makes its way to the surface. It is this constant balance between light and dark that holds our attention.

I won’t give away too much, but there were shrieks and gasps from even the back rows of the theatre when the dark truth bubbled to the surface and the play ended. These audible shocks might even have come from Richard E Grant or Mrs Laurence Olivier (Joan Plowright) who we had spotted during the interval!

Like many new productions, the actors could do with a few more performances to really settle in. The large house on set, for example, feels less like an old family home and more like a new prop to which the actors aren’t completely familiar. We don’t get a true sense that this is their home and has been for over 20 years. Perhaps more minor practical interactions with the house (eg. uprooting a weed or checking a wood panel) rather than gazing off into the sunset in a nostalgic stupor would help.

The play is filled with eye-opening moments of pure agony, family love, blind responsibility and gut-twisting realisation that keep the cast and audience enthralled.

I’d gladly watch it again.

All My Sons plays at the Apollo Theatre until 11 September 2010

11 Feb
2010

Your Views: Jerusalem at the Apollo Theatre

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Jerusalem, Jez Butterworth’s award-winning play, opened in the West End last night at the Apollo Theatre.

I was lucky enough to see a preview performance last week. Jerusalem is incredible: funny, thought-provoking and refreshingly different. And Mark Rylance’s performance as the central character, Johnny “Rooster” Byron, is quite spectacular.

It was also impressive to see how many celebs were in the audience. We spotted Clive Owen, Felicity Kendal, Ben Miller, Nigel Planer and one of the Spandau Ballet boys. It’s clearly the show to be seen at!

We asked some (non-celebs) in the audience for their views on the play:

Barry, 33, from South Woodford
“If you only see one play this year, go and see Jerusalem. Beg, steal (well maybe not that) or borrow the money: it’s well worth it. Mark Rylance is beyond brilliant.”

John, 28, from Northampton
“I thought it had everything: it was funny, challenging and beautiful. Mark Rylance’s performance is an incredible feat and it was the best night I’ve had at the theatre for ages. And the celeb-filled audience was the icing on the cake!”

Jean, grandmother, from Bristol
“The language may be blue in this green and not always pleasant land – but this is an extraordinary piece of theatre. Mark Rylance’s performance is electrifying.”

Lilac, 32, from Sydney
“Jerusalem is a rollicking rollercoaster of emotion, enjoyment and evangelism – although not in the obvious sense. We’ve all known, if not been, the “king of the kids” at some point in our lives and I observed the antics of “Rooster”  Byron with equal parts nostalgia and relief! The play is thought-provoking, poignant and also bloody funny. Well worth seeing.”

Jenny, 27, from Essex
“I agree with all the praise for Mark Rylance’s performance – one of the most gruelling I have seen as he is on stage for almost the entire duration of the play, which clocks in at more than three hours.”

Josephine, just over 40, from Mortlake
“This is the best play I’ve seen in ages – funny, moving, razor-sharp dialogue, original, memorable. The main character dominates proceedings brilliantly, though the rest of the cast move in and out of focus superbly well. As well as a good laugh, the story really makes you think about life’s values. Not for readers of the Daily Mail.”

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