Posts Tagged "bush theatre"

15 Dec
2011

Thursday Theatre News: Wind in the Willows, One Man Two Guvnors, Jaime Winstone and Kara Tointon

Posted by Zoe Craig in Theatre No Comments

Firstly, news of a new musical, which is always, er, music to my ears… The Wind in the Willows is the next project for Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drew, the award-winning team behind Mary Poppins.

Fellowes, now best-known for creating Downton Abbey, (but don’t forget he was also responsible for wonderful work like Gosford Park, The Young Victoria and The Importance of Being Earnest) will write the musical’s book. Writing duo Stiles and Drewe are developing the music and lyrics. The pair have worked together for 28 years, creating successful shows like Betty Blue Eyes, Just So and Peter Pan. I’m looking forward to being able to tell you more about this show; as yet, there are no dates or venues for its London premiere.

Second, details of a transfer. It seems London just can’t get enough of the uber-successful One Man, Two Guvnors. First, it transferred from the National to the West End. Then, rumours the team had booked tickets to Broadway. And today, we have news it’s moving again, this time to the Theatre Royal Haymarket. There’ll be a change of lead as Owain Arthur takes over from James Corden as the One Man of the title. The rest of the casting is yet to be announced.

Finally, the Lyric Hammersmith’s 2012 programme has been announced. Edward Bond returns to the theatre with a trilogy of short plays called The Chair Plays. In addition, there’ll be a collaboration between Spymonkey and Kneehigh Artistic Director Emma Rice, called Oedipussy; Lovesong; Filter’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream; and Three Kingdoms (part of the London-wide World Stages London festival).

Cast News:

Strictly Come Dancing winner and former EastEnder Kara Tointon will star in Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends at the Harold Pinter next year. Alongside her will be Reece Shearsmith, Katherine Parkinson, Elizabeth Berrington, Steffan Rhodri and David Armand
Kate Fleetwood and Denise Gough will star in Our New Girl at the Bush Theatre from 12 January
Jaime Winstone (Ray’s daughter, and Made In Dagenham star) returns to the London stage in February in Sex With A Stranger. Also appearing in this new play at the Trafalgar Studios is Russell Tovey from Being Human, Gavin & Stacey and an original History Boy

9 Jun
2011

Thursday Theatre News: Ladykillers, the New Bush, Casting Updates and Extensions

Posted by Zoe Craig in Theatre 1 Comment

Firstly, news that the classic Ealing comedy, The Ladykillers has been adapted for the stage by the writer behind hit TV comedies Father Ted and The IT Crowd, Graham Linehan, and will be coming to the Gielgud Theatre in November. The cast sounds fantastic: Peter Capaldi from the Thick of It will play Professor Marcus (the Alec Guinness role from the film). And he’ll be backed up by a gang played by James Fleet (Hugo from the Vicar of Dibley), comic Ben Miller, Stephen Wight and everyone’s favourite pantomime dame, Clive Rowe. The quintet is joined by multi-Olivier Award-winner Marcia Warren as Mrs Wilberforce.

Next, I’m thrilled to hear both War Horse and Billy Elliot: The Musical are extending: War Horse to October 2012, and Billy to December 2012. Congratulations to both these incredible shows.

And so to casting news:

Another member of the Rock of Ages line-up was announced this week: Shane Ward from The X-Factor is to play the disillusioned rock bad boy Stacee Jaxx when Rock Of Ages opens at the Shaftesbury theatre in September
Supermodel Christie Brinkley is going to be the latest star to take on the role of Roxy Hart in Chicago. She’ll be donning the fishnets from 11 July to 6 August.
Carley Stenson, who’s currently playing Margot in Legally Blonde will step up later this summer and play the lead role of college sweetheart Elle Woods. Carley starts on 11 July; Any Dream Will Do-winner Lee Mead will be Stenson’s leading man as he’s joining the cast from 20 June.

Finally, the Bush Theatre has announced the show that will welcome audiences to its new home. Sixty Six Books is an epic celebration of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. Sixty-six playwrights, poets, songwriters and novelists from 12 different countries will create a response to each of the 66 books in the Kings James Bible. The impressive list of contributors includes Jeanette Winterson, Carol Ann Duffy, Billy Bragg, Neil LaBute and even the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. Artistic Director Josie Rourke is working with a team of directors to present three hour, six hour and two 24 hour epic performances, with every room, corner and cupboard(!) of the new venue put to use.

You can read more about the Bush’s future plans here on the Official London Theatre website.

19 Aug
2010

Thursday Theatre News: Mackenzie Crook, Ralf Little, Chris Fountain and Matt Willis

Posted by Zoe Craig in Theatre No Comments

This week’s theatre news is all about cast announcements.

Firstly, former Busted star Matt Willis will be wielding a welding torch in Flashdance next month, alongside West End regular Victoria Hamilton-Barritt. The kitsch 80s musical, which is choreographed by Arlene Phillips, will be Matt’s West End debut. Good luck, Matt!

Another teen idol, Hollyoaks star Chris Fountain is also coming to the West End this September. Chris will lead the cast of new musical Departure Lounge at the new Waterloo East Theatre, alongside Verity Rushworth and Liam Tamne, who both previously starred in Hairspray.

A second soap star to head to the London stage from September is Kevin Kennedy. You and I know him better as Curly from Corrie. But from 6 September, he’ll play Pop in the Queen rock musical, We Will Rock You.

Finally for musicals this week is the news that Sally Dexter is to join Sister Act, taking over from Whoopi Goldberg in the role of Mother Superior from the end of the month. They’re pretty big shoes to fill, but we think London stage regular Sally’s got the feet for the job!

And last but not least, Mackenzie Crook (who was so brilliant in the multi-award-winning Jerusalem last year) and Ralf Little (from BBC sitcoms The Royle Family and Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps) will star in The Aliens at the Bush Theatre, which starts previews from 15 September. This is the UK premier of this new play by Annie Baker, about two professional dropouts musing on magic mushrooms and music…

Finally, next Sunday (29) there’ll be a particularly special performance at the London Palladium. The Front of House team and stage crew will emerge from their places behind the scenes and take to the stage for one night only. The unique variety show is raising money for The Theatrical Guild, a charity for Backstage & Front of House staff and U Can Ask Angels, an organisation which helps families affected by disability. You can book tickets to Gareth Parnell’s Sunday Night at the London Palladium here.