Tuesday, 22 October 2024
Lauren Ward and Josie Benson to Lead Cast in World Premiere of Stalled at King’s Head Theatre
West End and Broadway star Lauren Ward (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Dear Evan Hansen) and Josie Benson (Kiss Me Kate, Mamma Mia!) are set to headline the cast of Stalled, a new musical premiering at the King’s Head Theatre. This heartwarming and thought-provoking production centres around a group of characters whose lives intersect in a posh Seattle ladies' room. From Maggie, a woman in search of herself, to a frazzled mother, a neurodivergent daughter, a non-binary poet, and a queer computer scientist, Stalled tells their stories with soul-stirring melodies and rare authenticity. The musical promises an uplifting and emotional celebration of diverse voices, all navigating the complexities of modern life.
With a book and lyrics by Liesl Wilke and music by Andy Marsh, with additional music by Kyle Puccia, Stalled will run for six weeks, from Thursday, February 13th, to Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, under the direction of Vikki Stone. Two press performances are scheduled for Sunday, February 16, at 2pm and 5pm.
Producer Thomas Hopkins expressed his excitement about bringing this vibrant, poignant musical to the King’s Head Theatre, working alongside co-producer Liesl Wilke. He emphasised the importance of giving a platform to underrepresented voices, adding that the production aims to foster inclusivity through a "Pay What You Can Tuesdays" initiative, allowing audience members of all financial backgrounds to experience the show. This initiative is made possible by the support of a dedicated foundation, reinforcing the show's commitment to community and accessibility.
Anne-Marie Duff Leads Revival of The Little Foxes at Young Vic Theatre
The Young Vic Theatre has unveiled the full cast for its upcoming revival of Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes, starring the acclaimed Anne-Marie Duff (Bad Sisters, Suffragette) as Regina Hubbard. Directed by Olivier Award-winner Lyndsey Turner (Coriolanus, The Witches), this production runs from December 2, 2024, to February 8, 2025, with the official press night on December 11. Tickets are available now at www.youngvic.org.
Joining Anne-Marie Duff is a star-studded cast, including BAFTA Scotland award-winner Mark Bonnar (Napoleon, World on Fire) as Benjamin Hubbard, Anna Madeley (All Creatures Great and Small) as Birdie Hubbard, and Steffan Rhodri (Gavin and Stacey) as Oscar Hubbard. The ensemble also features Andrea Davy (Coronation Street) as Addie, Olivier nominee John Light (Showtrial) as Horace Giddens, Stanley Morgan (The Serpent Queen) as Leo Hubbard, Olivier winner Eleanor Worthington-Cox (Next to Normal) as Alexandra Giddens, and Freddie MacBruce in his professional debut as Cal.
A Gripping Tale of Power and Family Conflict
The Little Foxes centres on Regina Hubbard, a woman who has grown tired of standing on the sidelines while her brothers grow wealthier. When the opportunity for immense power and fortune presents itself, Regina sparks a chain of events that pits family members against each other—brother against brother, father against son, and Regina against her entire family.
The production promises a visually striking presentation with design by Lizzie Clachan, lighting by Lucy Carter, and sound by Tingying Dong. Fight direction is by Kev McCurdy, with voice and dialect coaching by Rebecca Gausnell. Phillippe Cato joins as the Jerwood Assistant Director, and Aoife Scott is the Jerwood Trainee Assistant Director.
This revival marks Anne-Marie Duff’s return to the Young Vic after 17 years, promising a powerful portrayal of Regina Hubbard, a character at the heart of this searing exploration of ambition, greed, and family dynamics. The Little Foxes is produced in association with Second Half Productions.
Anne Boleyn the Musical to Have World Premiere at Hever Castle: A Historic Debut Not to Be Missed
Historalia Productions is thrilled to announce the world premiere of Anne Boleyn the Musical, set to debut at Hever Castle in August 2025. This unique production brings the captivating story of Anne Boleyn to life at her childhood home, offering audiences an immersive experience at this iconic historical site. Directed by Roxana Silbert, with a book by Rebecca Night, music by Sam Gevers, and lyrics by Rebecca Night & Sam Kenyon, the musical will be performed in a specially constructed 1,800-seat outdoor auditorium, running from 2nd-30th August 2025.
Anne Boleyn the Musical explores Anne’s transformative journey from a young woman venturing into the royal courts of Flanders and France, to her eventual rise to Queen of England and her tragic downfall. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hever Castle, where Anne grew up, this production promises to reveal the true nature of one of history’s most intriguing women, offering audiences a fresh perspective on her ambitions, legacy, and her pivotal role in shaping England’s future.
Historalia Productions, founded by Simon de Merode and Eliane Astor-De Merode, brings its signature style of historical storytelling to the UK for the first time. Known for their large-scale musical productions in historic venues across Belgium, Historalia’s latest project is set to create an unforgettable theatre experience at Hever Castle. Previous productions, including Jeanne d'Arc, Marie-Antoinette, and 1830, have wowed audiences, and Anne Boleyn the Musical is poised to continue that tradition.
Hever Castle’s CEO, Duncan Leslie, expressed his excitement for this groundbreaking production, calling it an extraordinary opportunity to witness the story of Anne Boleyn unfold at the very place she once called home. This West End-calibre show, paired with the castle’s rich history, is sure to captivate both regular visitors and new guests alike.
With a talented creative team and the magical setting of Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn the Musical will be a must-see event in 2025. Full casting and additional creative details will be announced soon.
photo credit: Daniel Watson
Monday, 21 October 2024
Back to the Future Musical Celebrates with New Cast, International Productions, and Special Cameos for Back to the Future Day
This year’s Back to the Future Day gets an extra spark of excitement as Leigh Francis makes a special cameo as Principal Strickland in the West End production, marking the annual celebration of the iconic film trilogy. The day, celebrated worldwide on October 21st, commemorates the date Marty McFly travels to the future in Back to the Future II. Fans of the franchise can also look forward to new international productions and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
To celebrate Back to the Future Day this year, Leigh Francis will make a one-time appearance as Principal Strickland in the West End show on October 21, adding a touch of humour and nostalgia for fans.
In exciting news for Back to the Future enthusiasts abroad, it’s been announced that a German production of the hit musical will open during the 2025/2026 season, with more details to come. Additionally, Royal Caribbean will debut a special 100-minute version of the musical aboard its newest ship, Star of the Seas, setting sail from Port Canaveral in August 2025.
Following a recent cast change in London, exclusive backstage photos have been released, offering fans a closer look at the talented new lineup. The new cast includes Vasco Emauz as Marty McFly, making his West End debut, and Orlando Gibbs as George McFly. Joining them are C.J. Borger, Alex Runicles, and Talia Palamathanan, along with returning stars like Cory English as Doctor Emmett Brown.
The production continues to break records and win accolades, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical and multiple WhatsOnStage Awards. It’s now entering its fourth year in London’s West End, with performances currently booking until July 27, 2025, at the Adelphi Theatre.
Back to the Future: The Musical has already captivated audiences across London, Broadway, and North America, with a North American tour currently running through August 2025. The show is also set to open in Japan in 2025, expanding its global reach.
Since its London debut in September 2021, the musical has been seen by over 1.6 million people, and its original cast recording, featuring music by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, has garnered over 20 million streams. The Deluxe Edition of the album, released by Sony Masterworks, offers fans 13 never-before-heard demos and alternate versions of key songs from the show.
With plans for global productions and exciting developments on stage, Back to the Future: The Musical continues to transport audiences back in time, blending nostalgia, music, and unforgettable performances.
Tickets for the West End production are available now through July 2025.
photo credit: Pamela Raith
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