Showing posts sorted by date for query les miserables. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query les miserables. Sort by relevance Show all posts

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!
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Wednesday, 15 November 2023

Give the Gift of Theatre with London Box Office | ad



*This post contains sponsored content*

With the holidays just around the corner and the frenzy of gift shopping kicking in, now's the perfect time to find some fantastic deals and savings. If you or someone you know loves the magic of theatre and entertainment, Black Friday is your chance to grab some awesome ticket deals for the best shows the West End has to offer.

This Black Friday, London Box Office have set the stage for remarkable savings, unveiling a treasure trove of discounted tickets spanning musicals, dramas, and comedies tailored to suit everyone on you present buying list.

What makes this year's Black Friday deals so great, is the incredible diversity of shows available at rates friendly to your pocket. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned theatre-goer or introducing someone to the wonders of live entertainment for the first time, London Box Office has curated a varied selection promising something enjoyable for everyone.

If you've got a musical theatre fan in your life, this is the perfect chance to snag tickets to some of the most sought-after musicals including Les Miserables and the magically immersive Guys and Dolls. Or, why not treat them to witnessing theatrical royalty on stage with Sondheim's Old Friends or look forward to upcoming productions like Bronco Billy which opens in April.

If a gripping drama is what you're after, you are in for a treat with discounts on an array of plays. Whether you're looking for intense contemporary pieces like Dear England or The Ocean at the End of the Lane, or the timeless allure of classics like Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, London Box Office ensures there's a production to capture every niche.

For the comedy lovers in your life the Black Friday deals bring you hilarious performances that guarantee a night bursting with laughter. Including sidesplitting theatrical productions, from the hilariously chaotic Peter Pan Goes Wrong, which is perfect for family viewing, to the impeccably executed improv show Showstopper! that never fails to impress; the options to tickle your funny bone are boundless.

Thanks to London Box Office's Black Friday ticket deals, you not only get to experience these delights for yourself but also have the chance to treat your loved ones to a memorable night (or afternoon) at the theatre.

To dive into these excellent deals, simply venture over to London Box Office's dedicated Black Friday page at https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/black-friday. There, you can see the brilliant lineup of discounted shows, choose your preferred date and time, and effortlessly secure your tickets with just a few clicks. 

This is a golden ticket perfect opportunity to give the gift of live performance, so don't miss out and get booking to find a new favourite show.
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Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Sondheim's Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre Review: A Magical Piece of Theatre History



Sondheim's Old Friends
Gielgud Theatre
★★★★★

Musical theatre is what it is today, in no small part thanks to the brilliance of Stephen Sondheim, and this musical revue gloriously celebrates that whilst also providing an amazing memorial of Stephen and his melodic legacy. Devised by Cameron Mackintosh, the show like opening a musical time capsule which whisks you back to a bygone era, and a theatrical peak; showcasing a selection of the well known and lesser known Sondheim pieces.

Every aspect of the show is like a trip down memory lane, capturing the essence of a glamorous past. Jill Parker's costumes are simplistic enough for the setting whilst really elevating the story telling necessary to truly do Sondheim's work justice. Particularly impressive are the wolf ensemble and Mrs Lovett's get up which both have a refreshing modern feel. Set wise, Matt Kinley's design cleverly uses the Les Miserables moving pieces to create visual interest and bring some real wow moments to the stage. The entire Sweeney Todd section is impeccable. Thanks to Matthew Bourne's staging and direction, you find yourself lost in the magic, engulfed in the nostalgic beauty of a time that lives on through this production.

The show features the creme de la creme of the musical theatre world, with Broadway royalty Lea Salonga and Bernadette Peters taking the helm, and proving why they are so beloved- it feels like an out of body experience seeing such wonders. The whole cast give standout performances and there are truly too many to name but mention must go to Bradley Jaden's Wolf, Joanna Riding's 'Not Getting Married Today' and Jeremy Secomb's Sweeney Todd. Christine Allado and Bonnie Langford, are also wonderful and the cast really doesn't have a weak link. Universally their voices, movements and energy are enchanting- conjuring a musical spell that leaves you mesmerised. Each song feels like a little piece of history, beautifully presented and cherished. Stephen Mear's choreography adds to this magical experience, bringing a further touch of grace and finesse to proceedings.

Conducted by Alfonso Casado Trigo the orchestra are humungous aspect of the success of this show. Faultlessly performing every note, their music lingers long after the final bow.

Sondheim's Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre is a magical trip through musical history. It's a celebration of Sondheim's genius and the enchantment of the stage. If you're seeking a dose of wonder and a reminder of the magic that live performances bring, don't miss this truly magical experience.

Reviewed on Thursday 28th September 2023 by Olivia Mitchell
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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Tuesday, 8 November 2022

Benjamin Rauhala & his West End Besties at Cadogan Hall



Fourth Wall Live are delighted to announce BENJAMIN RAUHALA & HIS WEST END BESTIES at the Cadogan Hall on Sunday 5 February at 6.30pm. Tickets on sale now www.fw-live.com/ben 

 

One of Broadway’s most trusted music directors and collaborators, Benjamin Rauhala will be joined on stage by stars of the West End including Luke Bayer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Soho Cinders), Paisley Billings (Six, The Lion King, ‘Tattoo Fixers’), Lauren Drew (Six, Heathers, Legally Blonde, ‘The Voice’), Hiba Elchikhe (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Aladdin), WhatsOnStage Award nominee Jordan Luke Gage (& Juliet, Bonnie & Clyde, Bat Out of Hell), Ben Joyce (Back to the Future, Jersey Boys), Claudia Kariuki (Six, Wicked, School of Rock), Olivier Award nominee Frances Mayli McCann (Bonnie & Clyde, Heathers, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour), Zara MacIntosh (&Juliet, Six) Olivier Award nominee Natalie Paris (Six, Billy Elliot, Les Miserables), Courtney Stapleton (‘Belle’ in Beauty and the Beast, Six), Jodie Steele (Six, Heathers) Benjamin Yates (Jersey Boys, School of Rock, Wicked). Guests are subject to change. 

 

Music director Benjamin Rauhala’s love affair with the London theatre community and actors of the West End has been ongoing since his first sold-out concerts with Jeremy Jordan in the summer of 2016. Rauhala grew up obsessed with British pop music, including a subscription to Top of the Pops magazine! As a mainstay of the Broadway community, he has produced hundreds of sold-out concerts that spawned viral YouTube concert clips totalling * totalling over 56million views, including Jeremy Jordan’s ubiquitous cover of “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” and the many medleys featured in his Broadway Princess Party concert series. 

 

Rauhala found that everyone he met in London had a favourite one of those videos and wanted to chat about it, so he had an idea: what if he gathered a dozen of his favourite West End performers with an epic band and re-created some of those beloved videos, as well as crafting some new arrangements for these amazing singers? On the heels of a sold-out run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane with Jeremy Jordan and in preparation to play the London Palladium with Ariana DeBose and for an upcoming international tour of Disney Princess The Concert, this was the perfect moment to create a concert unlike anything London has ever seen! BENJAMIN RAUHALA AND HIS WEST END BESTIES will be a night filled with Rauhala’s signature mashups and medleys, some of the best contemporary musical theatre, some radically rearranged Disney tunes, and, of course, tunes from the likes of Céline Dion, the Spice Girls, Selena Gomez, and Sam Smith! 

 

Benjamin Rauhala is the Music Supervisor, co-creator, and ‘Fairy Godfairy’ of Disney Princess - The Concert, touring over 100 cities in North America throughout 2022, and internationally in 2023. He helped conceive and arrange the opening and closing numbers of the 2022 Tony Awards for Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose. Rauhala has toured the world since 2014 as the music director forJeremy Jordan, the Tony-nominated star of Broadway's Newsies and TV’s ‘Supergirl’, and in 2020, Rauhala was named 'Best Musical Director' at the Broadway World Cabaret Awards.

 

His Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, American Psycho, and Pippin. His Off-Broadway credits include Hit List, the meta-musical from the NBC television show Smash, Duncan Sheik’s The Secret Life of Bees and David Byrne’s Joan of Arc: Into The Fire. He is also the music director for Academy Award Winner Ariana DeBose, Halston star Krysta Rodriguez, Tony Award nominees Derek Klena, Jennifer Damiano, Kathryn Gallagher, and Disney legend Jodi Benson, as well as Nashville star Kyle Dean Massey, Anastasia star Christy Altomare, Smash star Andy Mientus, Moulin Rouge star Ashley Loren, and Frozen stars Caroline Bowman and Austin Colby. 

 

Rauhala co-founded the Write Out Loud songwriting competition with Mean Girls Tony Award nominee Taylor Louderman, which is currently in its fourth season of supporting the next generation of composers. Additionally, he is an Original Programming Producer at 54 Below, where he has created hundreds of sold-out concerts, including the Broadway Loves Series, that has famously honored Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, Sam Smith, Demi Lovato, and many more beloved pop icons. 

Follow him @brauhala

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Thursday, 26 May 2022

Carrie Hope Fletcher, Danielle Steers & Laura Pitt-Pulford to star in The Witches of Eastwick in Concert


Producer Jack Maple, by arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, is delighted to announce that West End stars Carrie Hope Fletcher, Danielle Steers and Laura Pitt-Pulford will star as Sukie, Alexandra and Jane respectively in a special one-off concert of THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK at the Sondheim Theatre on Monday 20 June 2022, directed by Olivier Award-winning Maria Friedman. They join the previously announced Olivier Award-winning actor Giles Terera as Darryl Van Horne.
 
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK has a book and lyrics by John Dempsey and music by Dana P. Rowe, based on the novel by John Updike and the Warner Brothers motion picture. This will be the first time the musical has been seen in London since it originally played at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2000, transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2001.
 
Further casting is to be announced.
 
Carrie Hope Fletcher is currently starring as Cinderella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella until 12 June 2022. She has played both Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables at the Queen’s/Sondheim Theatre and Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End and the Opera House in Dubai. In the UK, she originated the roles of Wednesday Addams in the UK tour of The Addams Family and Veronica Sawyer in Heathers at the Theatre Royal Haymarket which transferred from The Other Palace. Her other credits include Beth in the arena tour of The War of the Worlds, Emily in A Christmas Carol and Brenda Payne in The Christmasaurus Live at the Eventim Apollo. Carrie is also a Sunday Times Best Selling author.
 
Danielle Steers is currently starring as Cher in the UK and Ireland tour of The Cher Show. Her previous credits include Catherine Parr in Six The Musical (London), Zahara in the original cast of Bat out of Hell: The Musical (Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum, Ed Mirvish Theatre Toronto, Dominion Theatre, New York City Centre), Carmen in Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse), Lead Shirelle in the original London cast of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), swing and cover Nikki Marron in The Bodyguard (Adelphi Theatre) and cover Killer Queen in We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour). Her debut album, The Future Ain't What It Used To Be, was released in 2021.
 
Laura Pitt-Pulford’s theatre credits include Louise in Gypsy in concert (Alexandra Palace), Marlene Dietrich in Piaf (Nottingham Playhouse/Leeds Playhouse), Falsettos (The Other Palace), Little Miss Sunshine (Arcola Theatre), Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity (Pimlico Opera), Flowers for Mrs Harris (Chichester Festival Theatre & Sheffield Crucible), Nancy in Oliver (Curve), Milly Bradon in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), for which she received an Olivier Award nomination, and Maria in The Sound of Music (Curve).
 
The Witches of Eastwick tells the tale of the people of the little town of Eastwick. It is a town where everyone knows everything about everyone else, and it is presided over by the indomitable Felicia Gabriel. Bored with their small town lives, three women - Alexandra (Alex), Sukie, and Jane--share a desire for “all manner of man in one man” to provide excitement and variety. That man arrives, literally in a flash, in the devil-like form of Darryl Van Horne. Darryl seduces the women and teaches them powers, which they never knew they had. 
 
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK has musical staging by Chrissie Cartwright, lighting design by Simon Sherriff, sound design by Adam Fisher and associate direction by Jack McCann.
 
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Thursday, 17 March 2022

Three Sets of Twins Cast in 'Identical’, the New Musical Adaptation of ‘The Parent Trap’


After a five-year casting search and multiple auditions across the UK, three sets of talented identical twins are about to become Britain’s latest musical theatre stars.

They say you should never work with children or animals but this summer Olivier and Tony award-winning director Trevor Nunn will be doing both, with three sets of identical twins! Kyla and Nicole Fox, aged 12, from County Armagh, Northern Ireland, Emme and Eden Patrick, 12 from Waltham Abbey and Sienna and Savannah Robinson, 12 from Bromley, are the youngsters playing Lottie and Lisa in the world premiere of Identical, a new musical destined for the West End.

Identical is based on the novel ‘The Parent Trap’ by Erich Kästner, which inspired hugely successful Disney films featuring Hayley Mills in 1961 and Lindsay Lohan in 1998.

It will open at Nottingham Playhouse 26 July – 14 August 2022, then transfer to Salford’s The Lowry 19 August – 3 September 2022.
Future dates will be announced.
Identical tells the story of Lottie and Lisa, twin girls separated at birth, reunited by chance at a summer camp 10 years later. In an attempt to re-join their divorced parents, they decide to swap identities.

It has Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, (the multi award-winning writers of the Olivier award-winnig National Theatre hit ‘Honk!’, who also created a new score for the international smash-hit Cameron Mackintosh/Disney production of ‘Mary Poppins’) with a Book by Stuart Paterson.

Identical is co-produced by Nottingham Playhouse and Kenny Wax Ltd (producer of  the new global musical phenomenon ‘SIX’ and the ‘Goes Wrong’ shows) and directed by Olivier and Tony award-winning Trevor Nunn (responsible for some of the greatest hits in the world, including ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Starlight Express’, ‘Cats’ and ‘Sunset Boulevard’).

Producer Kenny Wax says: “Identical is a story about the reuniting of twins separated shortly after birth and the healing of a family which has been fractured. The narrative offers a powerful message for the world right now and under the directorial genius of Trevor Nunn, I have no doubt that Identical will be regarded as one of the great musicals of its generation…..providing that we can consistently cast incredibly talented identical twins!”
Nottingham Playhouse’s Executive Director Stephanie Sirr commented: “We can’t wait to create this show. It’s particularly exciting to give kids from our community the chance to work alongside world class professionals and to take part in the premiere of a newly commissioned musical.”
Stiles and Drewe said: “It’s been a delight to adapt Erich Kästner’s hauntingly beautiful and timeless tale of two identical twins separated as babies, and their wily determination to stitch their family back together. It’s a story packed with wonderful humour and characters which makes it a great canvas to become a musical and retell for a 21st-century audience.”

CREATIVE TEAM
Director Trevor Nunn
Choreographer Matt Cole
Set Design Rob Jones
Costume Design Jonathan Lipman
Video Design Douglas O’Connell
Lighting Design Johanna Town
Sound Design Paul Gatehouse
Musical Supervisor Caroline Humphris
Musical Director Tamara Saringer  
Orchestrator Tom Curran
Associate Director (with special responsibility for the children) Martha Geelan
Casting Director Anne Vosser
Children’s Casting and Administration Jo Hawes
Wig and Hair Designer Richard Mawbey
Production Manager Digby Robinson
General Management & Marketing Kenny Wax Ltd

photo credit: Alistair Muir
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Monday, 21 February 2022

Carrie Hope Fletcher Announces Debut UK Tour


Actress, author, vlogger and award-winning West End sensation Carrie Hope Fletcher is heading out on her first ever UK tour.

Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book will see the musical theatre star play a series of unmissable theatre shows in May and June 2023.

Performing songs from her incredible career expect fan favourites including hits from Heathers, Les Miserables, The Addams Family and many more interspersed with chat about Carrie’s fascinating life and career.

Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday and are available from www.cuffeandtaylor.com

Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book 2023
18-May Bradford, St George's Hall
21-May Southampton, Mayflower Theatre
22-May Norwich, Theatre Royal
25-May London, The London Palladium
27-May Llandudno, Venue Cymru
28-May Salford, The Lowry
29-May Birmingham, Symphony Hall
31-May Sheffield, City Hall
02-Jun Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
03-Jun Newcastle, O2 City Hall
04-Jun Edinburgh, Festival Theatre

Speaking about Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book, Carrie said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking on my first ever UK tour.

“This is something I have wanted to do for some time and next year presents the perfect opportunity.

I absolutely adore being on stage and am fortunate to have performed across the West End and overseas, but there’s something very special about theatres around the UK so I can’t wait to get out on the road and visit these absolutely fantastic and beautiful venues.”

Currently wowing West End audiences in the title role of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, Carrie - who has an impressive three WhatsOnStage Awards - has enjoyed a breath-taking career since her West End debut at the age of nine playing Young Éponine in Les Misérables. Since then Carrie’s theatre credits include Fantine in Les Miserables: The Concert, Veronica in Heathers, Wednesday in The Addams Family, Eponine in Les Misérables, both Truly Scrumptious and Jemima in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Beth in Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds and Jane Banks in Mary Poppins.

And when she’s not treading the boards of the West End’s biggest stages Carrie is also a best-selling novelist, Top 20 recording artist and respected vlogger with her popular self-titled music and vlog channel attracting more than a million views a month.

Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book is presented by Lambert Jackson, Live Nation and Cuffe and Taylor.

Jamie Lambert, of Lambert Jackson, said: “Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book presents an opportunity to take one of the West End’s most celebrated and successful leading stars to theatres across the UK.

“Not only will audiences be wowed by the stunning voice of Carrie, they will also get an insight into her incredible career and that is not to be missed.”

Cuffe and Taylor Director of Theatre Touring Ben Hatton added: “We are very excited to be presenting Carrie’s debut UK tour.

“She is the most wonderful musical theatre talent and so much more. Audiences will absolutely love this show.”

For more information about Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book and to secure tickets head to www.cuffeandtaylor.com

photo credit: Michael Wharley
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Friday, 11 February 2022

New Production Images Released For Les Miserables UK & Ireland Tour 2022

New images have been released of the Les Miserables UK and Ireland Tour.  

Les Miserables is currently performing in Dublin before visiting Southampton, Salford, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Hull, Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich, Canterbury, Sunderland, Leeds and Cardiff. 
 
The tour stars Dean Chisnall as Jean Valjean, Nic Greenshields as Javert, Katie Hall as Fantine, Ian Hughes as Thénardier, Will Callan as Marius, Nathania Ong as Eponine, Helen Walsh as Madame Thénardier, Samuel Wyn Morris as Enjolras and Paige Blankson as Cosette.
 
The cast is completed by George Arvidson, Aidan Banyard, Will Barratt, Adam Boardman, Rebecca Bolton, Emily Olive Boyd, Olivia Brereton, Earl Carpenter, Harry Chandler, Rebecca Ferrin, Aimee Good, Steven Hall, Jenna Innes, Tessa Kadler, Damian Kneale, Caleb Lagayan, Abel Law, Joseph McDonnell, Zabrina Norry, Emily Owens, Jordan Simon Pollard, Jamie Pritchard, Dean Read and Rebecca Ridout.
 

photo credit: Danny Kaan

Les Miserables UK and Ireland Tour 2022

Les Miserables UK and Ireland Tour 2022
photos by Danny Kaan

Les Miserables UK and Ireland Tour 2022

Dean Chisnall 'Jean Valjean'.

Les Miserables UK and Ireland Tour 2022

Ian Huges 'Thenardier' and Helen Walsh 'Madame Thenardier'.

Les Miserables UK and Ireland Tour 2022

Nic Greenshields 'Javert'.

Les Miserables UK and Ireland Tour 2022

Will Callan 'Marius'.


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Friday, 5 November 2021

Full Cast Announced for Love Story in Concert




Rebecca Caine (Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, Preludes) will join the previously announced Emma Williams and Michael Xavier for Love Story: 10th Anniversary Concert, directed by Kirk Jameson (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Marry Me A Little).

Michael Matus (The Phantom of the Opera, La Cage Aux Folles) will replace Peter Polycarpou as Phil Cavilleri, who has had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts. Simon Green (Titanic, Mrs Henderson Presents, Priscilla Queen of the Desert) will play Oliver Barrett IV. Completing the cast is Jenna Boyd (Come from Away) as the Doctor. 

The Ensemble features Simbi Akande (The Prince of Egypt), Jordan Cunningham (Priscilla Queen of the Desert), Alison Driver (What’s New Pussycat?), Charlie-Jade Jones (West Side Story), Maximillian Murphy (Parade), and Nikhil Singh Rai (Les Miserables, Mountview). 

Love Story celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Love Story’s premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre and subsequent transfer to the West End’s Duchess Theatre. 

Based on the 1970 New York Times #1 bestselling novel by Erich Segal - which was adapted into one of the highest grossing films of all time - Love Story follows Oliver Barrett IV, a Harvard jock, and Jenny Cavilleri, a gifted musician studying at Radcliffe. 

Love Story was Olivier-nominated for Best Musical, Best Actor in a Musical (Xavier) and Best Actress in a Musical (Williams). Since its West End run in 2010, the show has been performed in the USA, Russia, The Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, South Korea, Italy, Germany and Bolton Octagon Theatre. 
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Wednesday, 26 June 2019

West End Live 2019 I A Photo Round Up

There's no denying that West End Live is one of the most stagey and fun weekends in a theatre fans diary. The finest of the West End musicals come together to perform live and for free in Trafalgar Square as hoards of fans belt back their favourite songs.

This years performances included Wicked, On Your Feet, Jesus Christ Superstar, Six, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and so many more. As the sun shone down, beaming smiles filled Trafalgar Square and allowed the audience to see and hear classic musicals, as well as getting a sneak peek at some up and coming shows including  Brooklyn and Falsettos. There's really something wonderful about seeing so many theatre fans in one place, united purely through their love of all things stagey. In its fifteenth year, West End Live proves to be a bigger and better hit.

Rewrite This Story were there to snap some of the best moments from the photo pit. See a selection below and relive the best weekend:


We can't wait for next years West End Live! Let us know your favourite moments from the weekend in the comments.

photo credit: Olivia Mitchell
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Thursday, 29 March 2018

Son of a Preacher Man (UK Tour), Storyhouse | Review


Son of a Preacher Man (UK Tour) 
Storyhouse 
Reviewed on Tuesday 27th March 2018 by Becca Cromwell
★★

Set in modern day Soho, Son of a Preacher Man focuses on the lives of three people dealing with loss and heartbreak who turn to the past to find answers. All three of them end up at a record shop named the Preacher Man, which got its name from the man who ran it. In the 60s, all your troubles would be solved through music and advice from the shop’s owner, making it one of the most popular places of its time.

The story focuses on Kat, who recently lost her grandmother, Alison, who realises she’s in love with someone she can’t have and Paul, who still pines over a man he first fell in love with 40 years ago. The three of them venture to where the shop used to be in a search for advice and closure, only to find it no longer exists. Distraught, they meet the son of the shop’s owner Simon, who is the son of a preacher man. Simon takes it upon himself to help them, and with a little help from his deceased father, does just that.

The storyline is rather cheesy, which is to be expected from a jukebox musical, and features plenty of Dusty Springfield’s hits including The Look of Love, I Only Want To Be With You and of course, Son Of A Preacher Man. There are also plenty of other sixties hits thrown in for good measure, such as Cilla Black’s You’re My World.


Kat, played by Alice Barlow, is a young girl suffering the loss of her grandmother, who turns to her grandmothers’ favourite place, which just so happens to be the Preacher Man, for comfort. Alice is known for playing Rae Wilson on Hollyoaks, and being a previous contestant on The Voice. Alice delivered solid vocals and gave a good performance as Kat, and impressed many of the audience with the sheer quality of her voice.

Alison, played by Michelle Gayle, is a teacher turned tutor who recently lost her Husband, Jim. Alison turns to the Preacher Man for advice on her new love, and learns a lot from it. Michelle Gayle is known for playing Hattie Tavernier in Eastenders, signing a record contract and releasing two albums with BMG and starring on Grange Hill as a child. Michelle gave a good, believable performance, with impressive vocals to match.

Simon is played by Nigel Richards who has had an extensive and impressive career in musical theatre, including Enjrolas and Grantaire in Les Miserables, and the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. Nigel gave a convincing performance as the shy but loveable Simon and I was suitably impressed.


Paul, a man who is still lusting after his first love, is played by Nigel Howe. Nigel has had an affluent career in theatre, TV and Film, with over 40 acting credits to his name on IMDB and almost as many theatre credits. Nigel gave a decent performance as Paul, making the audience really feel for him in the process.

With Craig Revel Horwood choreographing the show, I expected more in terms of choreography, which left me a little disappointed. However, the lack of choreography was made up for by most of the cast members occasionally playing instruments on stage.

Son of a Preacher Man continues its UK tour until July.



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Monday, 26 March 2018

Why We Should 'Be More Matilda'



There are a lot of inspiring stories in this world, and for me, some of the best can be found in Musical Theatre. Some people think musicals are all about the fun, the glitz and the glamour, but really there are some truly inspiring stories intertwined with all of that. Stories of overcoming the impossible, reaching for your dreams and fighting adversity. At first, whilst enjoying the show, you may not realise the true depth of the story but it's there and I believe that we can learn a lot from the stories of the musicals.

On international women's day, there was a lot of talk on social media about the most inspiring women in musical theatre. Plenty to choose from but the twitter tag that really stood out to me was Be More Matilda. Despite being the smallest leading lady in the West End, Matilda is certainly inspiring, and the show as a whole has this wonderfully motivating story. So why should you choose to 'Be More Matilda’?

Matilda the musical, whilst being full of fun and humour, has an incredible story of fighting for what is right at its heart. It is a classic little versus large story, with a little girl coming up against her giant of a headmistress, with Matilda determined to turn the tables. Matilda the musical creates a world where children can teach adults the lessons they deserve and teaches the audience that you can do anything as long as you are determined.

Little Matilda Wormwood, despite her size, is stubborn and won't take no for an answer. She knows that it is not right that Miss Trunchball treats the students of her school like prisoners, or that her parents treat her like dirt, and she is intent on teaching them a lesson. As she says, 'Even if you find that life's not fair, it doesn't mean that you just have to grin and bear it'. Matilda is a strong character, she knows that things need to change, and she uses her incredible mind and fighting spirit to prove everyone around her wrong and change her life for the better.

In Musical Theatre, there are a few characters that champion the idea that 'Even if you're little you can do a lot' and Matilda is just one of them. You could also mention Les Miserables Gavroche, the tough talking urchin who fights to the death alongside the rebellious students, or Barnum's General Tom Thumb who uses his circus act to celebrate his small size with a proud proclamation that Bigger isn't better.

Despite her size and the fact that the clear majority of the adults around her want to silence her, Matilda comes out on top. She fights against it all, using her brains and her determination to right all the wrongs in her life. Matilda is inspired by the stories she reads in her books, and she understands how those characters could have changed their stories. With that inspiration, she is able to change her own story. She believes that the biggest event can begin with the tiniest start, and even though you're small, you can do anything you want to do.

Matilda the Musical teaches everyone who watches it a wonderful lesson. It tells everyone that if you have a problem, you shouldn't just sit around and let it get on top, because that is a way of saying that it's okay, when it really isn't. The show teaches that you are the creator of your own story and no one else can write that story for you.

So, whether you decide to be the tiniest mite who packs the mightiest sting or decide to take advice from Mrs Wormwood and Rudolpho in Loud and give yourself permission to shine, maybe it's time to decide to Be More Matilda.

 Comment down below how you're going to Be More Matilda or which other musical theatre characters inspire you...

Article written by Becky Wallis

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