Posts with the label broadway
Showing posts with label broadway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label broadway. Show all posts
Sunday, 10 November 2024
THEATRE NEWS ROUNDUP 3rd November- 9th November 2024
Happy Sunday! Here's another week of arts news, including concert headliners, a Broadway transfer, contests and lots more. As always, you can find the full stories by clicking the headline...
Noah Kahan Headlines BST Hyde Park 2025 with Special Guest Gracie Abrams
The duo headline BST Hyde Park 2025 for an epic folk-pop experience on July 4th 2025.
Bradley Jaden’s ‘Recorded Live in London’ Album Set for Release
The album captures the magic of his June 2024 Cadogan Hall concert, featuring iconic musical theatre performances and star-studded duets.
Bradley Jaden’s ‘Recorded Live in London’ Album Set for Release
The album captures the magic of his June 2024 Cadogan Hall concert, featuring iconic musical theatre performances and star-studded duets.
Elektra, the electrifying West End revival of Sophokles’s timeless tragedy, directed by Tony-winning visionary Daniel Fish, features an all star cast.
The 2024 Best New Song Prize Concert will feature an incredible cast in a one-night showcase of emerging musical theatre talent at The Other Palace in London.
Experience the wit and charm of The Pirates of Penzance as the production returns to the ENO for a strictly limited season at the London Coliseum.
Experience the acclaimed adaptation of The Lonely Londoners at Kiln Theatre this January, where Selvon’s evocative story of the Windrush generation in 1950s London brings to life the challenges, dreams, and community spirit of Caribbean migrants
The ballet returns for its 30th anniversary tour, bringing an iconic revival to audiences across the UK and Ireland with 29 weeks of performances in 19 cities.
The smash-hit musical brings the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties to London’s West End in spring 2024 at the historic London Coliseum.
Nominations are now open for the WhatsOnStage Awards, where theatre fans can vote for their favourite shows and performers, culminating in a live event at the London Palladium on February 9, 2025.
London’s new Capital Theatre will open in autumn 2025, at Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush.
Boublil and Schönberg’s iconic musical is set for a fresh UK tour, opening October 2025 with a reimagined production led by Michael Harrison and Cameron Mackintosh.
Join Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas: A Festive Science Adventure in London’s West End
Experience a holiday science adventure full of fun, facts, and festive cheer, live this December.
That's it for another week! Come back next Sunday for your weekly dose of theatrical stories and in the mean time we'll see you on socials. Stay stagey!
Saturday, 9 November 2024
Join Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas: A Festive Science Adventure Live in London’s West End
Beloved children's presenter and science enthusiast Maddie Moate brings the holiday season to life with her brand-new stage show, Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas, arriving at London’s Apollo Theatre from 6th December, 2024, to 4th January, 2025. This interactive, science-themed Christmas adventure is filled with festive fun, magic, and plenty of audience participation. Featuring Maddie’s signature blend of science and storytelling, the show dives into the wonders of winter, exploring where snow comes from, why Christmas crackers bang, and yes- why Brussels sprouts might make you fart!
This immersive holiday event introduces audiences to Santa’s bustling workshop, led by Maddie herself with a cast of quirky characters. Joining her on stage are West End newcomers Kira MacCarter as Tinker and Zain Abrahams as Goggles, bringing new talent to the magic of Christmas. CBeebies star Jennie Dale, known for her role as Captain Captain on Swashbuckle, will appear virtually as Mrs. Claus, adding a familiar face for young fans. Maddie shares her excitement about the production, saying:
I’m thrilled to combine my love for science with the magic of theatre. Maddie’s Very Curious Christmas isn’t just science experiments- it’s a heartwarming story with quirky characters, musical moments, and a touch of holiday magic!”
This latest production highlights Maddie’s journey from a BAFTA-winning presenter to a digital science sensation. Known for her curiosity-driven content on her YouTube channel (which was awarded Kidscreen’s Best Kids Channel in 2022), Maddie has shared her passion for science through multiple digital series and has produced and hosted live events across the UK, including The Wonder Games and a CBeebies adaptation of Twelfth Night at Shakespeare’s Globe. She has also been a staple of CBeebies’ Christmas Show since 2017 and appeared at the Royal Albert Hall for the CBeebies Prom in 2024.
In addition to her work on screen and stage, Maddie is a dedicated author, with her latest book, A Very Curious Christmas, now available in paperback. Her work continues to inspire a love for science and nature in children and families across the world, supported by her roles as a patron for the Youth STEM Awards and an ambassador for both The Wildlife Trust and Eureka: The National Children’s Museum.
Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas promises to be a fun, educational, and memorable holiday experience for all ages. Tickets are on sale now, and families can expect a festive show that combines science with holiday spirit in the heart of London’s West End. Don't miss your chance to enjoy this unforgettable journey through the science and magic of Christmas!
Tuesday, 5 November 2024
Cast Announced for Stiles + Drewe’s Best New Song Prize Concert 2024: A Star-Studded Celebration of New Musical Theatre Talent
Prepare for an unforgettable night of new musical theatre as Mercury Musical Developments and Stiles + Drewe, in partnership with Broadway Licensing Global, present the 2024 Best New Song Prize Concert. Hosted by Olivier Award-winning actor Jenna Russell, this one-night-only gala will take place at The Other Palace on Monday, December 2 at 7:30 pm, showcasing the incredible talent of both emerging and established musical theatre creators.
This unique concert features a glittering cast, including stage icons like Charlie McCullagh (42 Balloons, Jesus Christ Superstar), Desmonda Cathabel (Aladdin, Miss Saigon), Lauryn Redding (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), Natalie Paris (Pretty Woman, SIX), Obioma Ugoala (Frozen, Hamilton), Samuel Barnett (Rock Follies), and Tim Howar (Rock of Ages, The Phantom of the Opera). Also performing are Allyson Ava Brown (Hamilton, Les Misérables), Cassius Hackforth (Something Rotten), Dan Partridge (Grease), Jodie Jacobs (Hello Dolly!), and Liv Andrusier (Fiddler on the Roof).
Alongside performances from these incredible artists, the event will feature songs from recent British musical successes like Becoming Nancy, Cable Street, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and 42 Balloons. The evening celebrates the vitality of new writing with a special showcase of 12 finalist songs, which include:
- 'The Temptation of Me' from Proud by Mark Anderson & Lee Freeman
- 'I’m Going to Stay With You' from The Tale of the Gifted Prince by Lezlie Wade & Dan Green
- 'It Starts Small' from Unfolding by Emma Vieceli
- 'Ideal Robot Assistant' from A.I. Will Solve All Your Problems by Leo Mercer
- 'Someday My Prince Will Come' from Queering the Canon by Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels
- 'Viareggio' from Lifeboats by Gus Gowland
- 'Die Like Trees' from Girl Goes to the Underworld by Sam Norman & Bela Kawalec
- 'Hero' from Man Vs Snake the Epic Musical by Stuart Matthew Price & Daniel Fletcher
- 'Spread a Little Joy Around the Place' from Retail Therapy by Hilmi Jaidin
- 'Locked Away' from The Queen is Mad by Amy Clare Tasker & Tom McGrath
- 'Drek!' from Otto's Weidt's Brush and Broom Workshop for the Blind by Amir Shoenfeld & Caitlyn Burt
- 'Invisible' from Hatched! by Lydia Shaw & Edward Court
A distinguished panel of judges, including Chris Bush, George Stiles, Anthony Drewe, and Joanne Benjamin, will select the winning song, awarding £1,000 toward the winner’s development. An additional award recognising Voice, Vision & Potential will also be presented. Sponsored by Broadway Licensing Global, Dorico, Tarento Productions, and Kenny Wax Productions, the Best New Song Prize Concert celebrates the vibrant future of British musical theatre and its outstanding creative talent.
Sunday, 3 November 2024
THEATRE NEWS ROUNDUP 27th October- 2nd November 2024
What a week for theatrical news! Lots of casting and show announcements, plus exciting concerts to look forward to next summer. Click the links below for the full stories!
The musical extends its UK tour due to high demand, adding extra dates in four cities and bringing its powerful, award-winning story to new audiences.
Celebrating 20 years, 13 Going on 30 comes to the stage with a musical adaptation premiering in Manchester, bringing Jenna Rink’s unforgettable journey to life for a new audience.
BBC Children in Need’s Challenge Squad brings an inspiring new story to life as Ethan prepares to take the stage in COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular for the 2024 appeal.
Virginia Gay’s award-winning Cyrano brings a bold, gender-flipped spin on Cyrano de Bergerac to London’s Park Theatre, combining modern humour, romance, and a fresh perspective on classic storytelling.
Clueless The Musical is set to make a stylish West End debut, capturing the wit, charm, and ’90s nostalgia of the beloved film with a fresh score by KT Tunstall and Glenn Slater.
Star-Studded Gala A Marvellous Party Celebrates Noël Coward with a Glittering Lineup
A Marvellous Party will honour Noël Coward with an all-star charity gala featuring performances from some of the UK’s brightest talents.
The sell-out production directed by Eline Arbo and based on Annie Ernaux’s Les Années, comes to London’s Harold Pinter Theatre for a limited run, offering an evocative portrayal of one woman’s life amid societal change.
The musical's original Australian cast album is now streaming in the UK, ahead of the musical’s highly anticipated UK stage premiere at Leicester’s Curve Theatre in April 2025.
Les Miserables West End and World Tour Casting News
Lucie Jones rejoins Les Misérables in the West End for a limited eight-week run as Fantine, while Katie Hall steps into the role for select cities on the Arena Spectacular World Tour before returning to London.
Co-produced by Lance Bass and Michelle Visage, the musical brings a fresh take on Edward Scissorhands to London’s Southwark Playhouse, celebrating individuality through music and heart.
The season brings new voices and powerful stories to the stage with world premieres and inclusive performances featuring top-tier talent.
The play brings Britain’s iconic comedy legends back to life in a nostalgic and hilarious new play set to run in London’s West End.
The highly anticipated Jo- The Little Women Musical concept album will be recorded at Abbey Road Studios
The musical celebrating Houdini’s life and legacy will launch with exclusive previews on Lake Como, Italy, in Spring 2025
The musical returns in 2024 with a star-studded UK & Ireland tour celebrating its 20th anniversary and iconic performances across major cities.
The gripping supernatural thriller, returns for an extensive UK tour in 2025, inviting audiences nationwide to experience its suspenseful, paranormal intrigue live on stage.
The Tony winner is set to headline BST Hyde Park 2025 with a thrilling performance of musical theatre classics and more on July 6.
See you next Sunday for another week of news!
Thursday, 31 October 2024
SCISSORHANDZ: A Musical Reinvented co-produced by Lance Bass Michelle Visage Set for European Premiere
The European premiere of Scissorhandz: A Musical Reinvented will hit London’s Southwark Playhouse Elephant on 23th January 2025 for a limited, exclusive 10-week engagement. After a highly successful and sold-out run in Hollywood, this fresh musical reimagining of Edward Scissorhands brings Bradley Bredeweg’s critically acclaimed vision to UK audiences, blending pop culture and an empowering message about individuality. With co-producers like Lance Bass and Michelle Visage on board, the show promises a vibrant journey celebrating the courage to be unique.
Michelle Visage shared her excitement, stating:
I am beyond excited to join the producing team for Scissorhandz! The energy, the message, the joy—it’s everything we need right now. In a world that feels a little upside down, this show is a celebration of life, individuality, and fierce self-expression...we’re not just creating a show; we’re creating a movement. Get ready, because it’s going to be an unforgettable ride!”
Lance Bass added:
Producing Scissorhandz has been one of the greatest pleasures of my career, and I can’t wait for London to experience this show! I think audiences in the UK will really embrace the show...It’s not just a musical—it’s a sensory journey...by the end, you’ll be on your feet, feeling like you’ve just experienced something truly unforgettable.”
This 90-minute pop-musical features hit songs from artists like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Alanis Morissette. It is a tribute and parody rolled into one, celebrating those who “dare to be different.” Bradley Bredeweg, the show’s writer and director, shared a personal connection to the original film, saying, “As a lonely quirky gay kid growing up in the 80s and 90s, this film meant the world to me because it spoke to anyone who felt like they didn’t quite fit in...Our thrill ride of a show is packed with joy and heart, and it’s about owning exactly who you are, even if you happen to have scissors for hands. In a world where people crave that kind of joy more than ever, I’m honoured to bring this story to a new audience in London.”
The Scissorhandz creative team includes choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento, musical direction by Gregory Nabours, set design by James Pearse Connelly, costume design by Abby Clarke, lighting design by Adam King, sound design by Yvonne Gilbert, and casting by Harry Blumenau. Tickets for Scissorhandz are on sale now, with the official opening night set for 30 January. Prepare for a musical experience that is not only a show but a vibrant celebration of self-expression and the power of standing out.
Wednesday, 30 October 2024
Lucie Jones Returns to Les Misérables as 'Fantine' in London, with Katie Hall Joining Arena Spectacular World Tour
Cameron Mackintosh has announced that Lucie Jones, multi-award-winning musical theatre star, will reprise her role as Fantine in the West End production of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre for an exclusive eight-week engagement from 23rd December 2024 to 15th February 2025. Known for her powerhouse performances in productions like Wicked, Waitress, Legally Blonde, and more, Jones is a celebrated figure in theatre, also recognised from The X Factor (2009) and the Eurovision Song Contest (2017).
As Jones joins the London cast, Katie Hall, who is currently portraying Fantine at the Sondheim Theatre, will step into the same role on Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular World Tour, performing in Manchester, Newcastle, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Malmo, and Amsterdam. Hall, who has previously played both Cosette and Fantine across various Les Misérables productions, including the 25th Anniversary Concert and on UK and international tours, will return to London on 17 February 2025.
The West End Les Misérables cast also features Ian McIntosh as Jean Valjean, Stewart Clarke as Javert, Jacob Dachtler as Marius, Amena El-Kindy as Éponine, Annabelle Aquino as Cosette, Luke Kempner as Thénardier, Claire Machin as Madame Thénardier, and Robson Broad as Enjolras.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Les Misérables in London, celebrated with a new World Tour of Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular. Opening in Belfast, the tour will cover cities across Europe and then move to Australia, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, with more dates to follow. Additionally, in an unprecedented move, 11 leading UK amateur companies will stage full productions of Les Misérables across the country in 2025.
Featuring iconic songs like 'I Dreamed a Dream', 'On My Own', and 'One Day More', Les Misérables has been seen by over 130 million people in 53 countries and in 22 languages. It remains a global phenomenon, breaking box office records worldwide, with productions in North America and remastered versions of the Oscar-winning film re-released internationally this year.
Get Ready for the UK's First Musical Theatre Market!
Exciting news, theatre lovers! The countdown is on for the very first Musical Theatre Market on November 9th at the Custard Factory in Birmingham. This is a one-of-a-kind event- the UK’s first-ever “stagey” craft market- and it’s shaping up to be a dream come true for musical theatre fans and craft lovers alike. With just two weeks to go until the big day, here’s everything you need to know to get ready for a day full of show-stopping finds and handmade magic!
🎨 Meet the Makers: 40+ Talented Vendors and Crafters
Musical Theatre Market are bringing together an incredible lineup of over 40 talented small businesses, each with their own special touch of musical theatre magic! Among our vendors, you’ll find some familiar names, like:
Amelia Stitches- beautiful intricate embroidery and embroidery kits
LettersToJuly- beautiful, show-inspired stationary including washi tape and post its
Handmade Broadway- theatrical artwork, a staple for any theatre fan’s home decor
Eve Leoni Art- stunning, theatre-inspired illustrations and products
Musical Theatre Pins- the ultimate stop for unique, collectible pins to rep your favourite shows!
And that’s not all! They'll also be welcoming some fresh, exciting faces you may not have heard of (yet!)- like Stagey Stitches, who makes one-of-a-kind scrunchies from actual West End show fabrics (talk about authentic theatre merch!), and Musical Merch Shop, run by 12-year-old Willow, whose passion for musical theatre shines through every piece she makes.
🌟 What Makes Musical Theatre Market Special?
Musical Theatre Market isn’t just a shopping experience- it’s a celebration of the creativity and the community that make theatre so special! Whether you’re looking for show-themed gifts, personalised art, or just something that reminds you of your favourite show tunes, there’s something here for everyone.
Plus, the event is extra-special with:
-Exclusive market-only merchandise you won’t find anywhere else
-A friendly, welcoming vibe that’s all about bringing the theatre community together
-The chance to meet and chat with the talented artists and makers behind your new favorite items
📅 Save the Date & Spread the Word!
Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and make sure you’re ready to be there on November 9th at the Custard Factory in Birmingham. Grab your friends, your family, and any theatre fan in your life- they won’t want to miss it either!
For full details, visit the website musicaltheatremarket.co.uk. Pop along to make history with you at the UK's very first Musical Theatre Market and enjoy a show-stopping day!
Critically Acclaimed Production The Years Transfers to the West End’s Harold Pinter Theatre
Sonia Friedman Productions has announced the West End transfer of The Years, a critically acclaimed adaptation of Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s semi-autobiographical novel Les Années. Directed and adapted by Eline Arbo with an English version by Stephanie Bain, this production captivated audiences in its sold-out run at the Almeida Theatre, following a successful premiere at Internationaal Theater Amsterdam. The Years will run at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 24 January to 19 April 2025.
Critics have praised The Years as a “masterpiece” (The Guardian) and an experience that “moves in ways theatre often tries to but rarely achieves” (The Independent). The production features powerful performances from Deborah Findlay, Romola Garai*, Gina McKee, Anjli Mohindra, and Harmony Rose-Bremner, who collectively portray the life of one woman, capturing her experiences against the evolving landscape of the 20th and 21st centuries.
With each “click” of memory, Ernaux’s story unfolds: a child growing up amidst post-war ruins, a student exploring new freedoms, an activist championing rights, a wife, mother, lover, and grandmother – each phase of life layered with personal and political significance. This staging captures Ernaux’s meditation on memory with depth, surprise, and theatrical virtuosity, leading audiences through a journey that pairs “the dead with the living, real with imaginary beings, dreams with history.”
The creative team includes Music Supervisor and Sound Designer Thijs van Vuure, Set Designer Juul Dekker, Costume Designer Rebekka Wörmann, Lighting Designer Varja Klosse, and Casting Director Amy Ball CDG. Associate direction is by Yasmin Hafesji. Originally produced by Het Nationale Theater as De Jaren in 2022, The Years has gained acclaim across Europe and is poised to offer a poignant theatrical experience in its West End debut.
Note: Romola Garai will perform until 8 March, with additional casting to be announced.
Star-Studded Gala A Marvellous Party Celebrates Noël Coward with a Glittering Lineup
London’s Prince of Wales Theatre is set to shine on Sunday, 17th November 2024, as an all-star lineup gathers for A Marvellous Party, a special charity gala honouring the legacy of Noël Coward. The celebration will feature a dazzling array of talent, including Alfred Enoch, Derek Jacobi, Ian McKellen, Joshua James, Samantha Spiro, Marisha Wallace, and Lia Williams, joining previously announced stars Hugh Bonneville, Gyles Brandreth, Judi Dench, Lindsay Duncan, Cush Jumbo, Robert Lindsay, Hilton McRae, and Giles Terera. Additional surprise guests will also appear, making it a memorable evening in celebration of Coward’s life and work.
This gala evening, directed by Daniel Evans with musical direction by Tom Brady, will present an array of excerpts from Coward’s plays, songs, and sketches- some of which will be performed publicly for the first time. Youth participants from Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, New Adventures, and Wise Children Theatre School will join Noël Coward Foundation bursary recipients, as well as a troupe of actors renowned for performing Coward’s works, for an evening rich in British theatrical tradition and talent.
A Marvellous Party is also the grand finale of the two-year Coward 125 celebration, which has honoured Noël Coward’s extraordinary impact on theatre. Proceeds from the evening will support The Queen’s Reading Room, the Noël Coward Foundation, and Acting For Others, with the Prince of Wales Theatre generously provided by Sir Cameron Mackintosh for the occasion.
Produced by Julian Bird for Green Room Ents., this gathering of icons promises an unforgettable night celebrating the wit, style, and enduring charm of Noël Coward.
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