Tuesday, 8 October 2024
Sing Street Musical Set for UK Premiere Next Summer
Sing Street: A New Musical is set to make its UK premiere at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre next summer, with performances running from 8 July to 23 August 2025 and a press night on 18 July. Based on John Carney’s much-loved 2016 coming-of-age film, the musical tells the story of a 16-year-old Dubliner in the 1980s, who forms a band to escape his struggles at home and win the heart of a girl.
The stage version, which was first seen in Boston and New York before the pandemic, has a book by Enda Walsh, with music and lyrics by Gary Clark and John Carney. The show will be directed by Rebecca Taichman, who helmed the earlier versions, with choreography by Sonya Tayeh and set design by Bob Crowley. Casting for the UK production is being overseen by Stuart Burt.
Rachel O’Riordan, artistic director of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, shared her excitement for the upcoming production, highlighting the show's exploration of the impact of music and creativity. She remarked, "It’s about people’s contact with creativity and rebellion, and also music taking you out of yourself and where you are."
Composer Gary Clark expressed his deep connection to the story, recalling his own experience of forming a school band in the early 1980s. He explained, "Sing Street holds a very special place in my heart. We had so much fun creating the original songs for the movie and rekindled that spirit for the additions that we’ve written especially for this production."
O’Riordan also noted that this will be a new version of the show, crafted specifically for its UK premiere, rather than a remount of the New York production.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience this heartwarming and high-energy musical when Sing Street hits the Lyric Hammersmith stage in summer 2025!
Toyah Willcox Joins NOW That’s What I Call A Musical as a Special Guest
Exciting news for music and theatre lovers! Punk legend and Strictly Come Dancing 2024 contestant Toyah Willcox has been announced as a special guest star in NOW That’s What I Call A Musical. Toyah will appear in Edinburgh, bringing her iconic energy to this hit-packed show. Additionally, pop sensation Sonia has expanded her 2025 tour dates, adding performances in Manchester and Glasgow to her list of venues.
NOW That’s What I Call A Musical is a brand-new British musical written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed by Strictly's own Craig Revel Horwood. The show kicked off its major UK and Ireland tour in September 2024 at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre and has been delighting audiences ever since. Celebrating 40 years of the beloved NOW That’s What I Call Music compilations, the musical is filled with timeless hits from artists like Blondie, Tears For Fears, Eurythmics, and Spandau Ballet. It’s a nostalgic celebration of the biggest chart-toppers, taking audiences on a musical journey back to the 80s and 90s.
Toyah Willcox, known for her legendary hits like It’s a Mystery and I Want to Be Free, is a force in music, TV, and theatre. With over 13 Top 40 singles, 25 albums, and a successful acting career, she’s a perfect fit for this feel-good musical. Her theatre credits include roles in The Rocky Horror Show, Calamity Jane, and Cabaret. Her addition to the cast brings even more star power to an already exciting production.
Toyah will join an array of guest stars in the show, each performing the songs that made them NOW icons. Throughout the tour, audiences will also see performances by Sinitta, Sonia, Carol Decker, and Jay Osmond in various cities. These special guests, along with the talented core cast, will be belting out the hits that have defined decades of pop music.
Set in Birmingham, the musical follows two school friends, Gemma and April, as they navigate life from their teenage years in 1989, dreaming about Rick Astley, to their dreaded school reunion in 2009. The story blends humour, drama, and a lot of '80s nostalgia as it explores friendship, love, and all that hairspray!
For those who grew up with NOW That’s What I Call Music as the soundtrack to their lives, this musical is a must-see, packed with feel-good vibes and sing-along moments. Make sure to check your local listings to catch Toyah Willcox and the rest of the cast when the show comes to a theatre near you. Whether you’re reliving your favourite hits or discovering them for the first time, NOW That’s What I Call A Musical promises a fun and unforgettable night out!
Monday, 7 October 2024
Les Misérables, Billy Elliot and others to be Released in Cinemas for Anniversary Celebrations
Get ready for a cinematic treat! Six filmed stage productions are set to grace cinema screens over the next six months, offering theatre fans a unique chance to experience some of the most celebrated performances from the comfort of their local theatres. Produced by CinemaLive, these screenings will mark significant milestones for each production.
Kicking off the series, Miss Saigon, filmed during its 25th anniversary gala performance at the Prince Edward Theatre in 2016, is currently being shown in cinemas. Following that, the beloved classic The Phantom of the Opera, which celebrated its own 25th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011, will screen on November 3 and 5. This production stars Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess, showcasing their incredible talents in a visually stunning performance.
Next up, the award-winning Girl From the North Country, written by Conor McPherson and featuring 20 songs by the legendary Bob Dylan, will be screened on November 21 and 24. This version was recorded at the Belasco Theatre in New York in 2022, bringing its emotional storytelling and poignant music to a broader audience.
Looking ahead to 2025, theatre-goers can look forward to Les Misérables- The Staged Concert, filmed in 2019 at the Gielgud Theatre. This production features a star-studded cast, including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher, and Matt Lucas. It will be available to view in cinemas starting February 2, 2025.
Shortly after, the arena tour version of Jesus Christ Superstar, featuring an all-star cast that includes Tim Minchin, Mel C, Ben Forster, and Chris Moyles, will be screened across the UK from March 1, 2025. This performance promises to bring a fresh and dynamic interpretation of the rock opera to fans.
Finally, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, a re-release of Billy Elliot will hit cinemas, coinciding with the original West End premiere in 2005. Directed by Stephen Daldry, this production was captured live at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 2014 and will be available starting March 30, 2025.
For more information and to find participating cinemas, be sure to visit the CinemaLive website. This is an incredible opportunity to witness the magic of live theatre in a new and exciting format!
West End Does: Christmas in Oz Casting Announced
West End Does: Christmas is returning this December, and this year, it’s bringing a delightful Oz-themed twist to the festivities. The concert will blend holiday classics with beloved songs from The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, just as the film adaptation of Wicked prepares to grace UK cinemas a few days before the event, making for perfect timing.
The concerts will feature two choirs and a full West End orchestra, all under the direction of musical maestro Samuel Wilson. This year’s impressive lineup includes notable musical theatre stars, particularly alumni from Wicked: Louise Dearman, Sophie Evans, Alice Fearn, Oliver Tompsett, Liam Tamne, and Claudia Kariuki, who have all played key roles in the production.
Hosting the event will be Rob Houchen and Matt Lucas, both known for their work in Les Misérables, promising an evening filled with festive cheer and theatrical magic.
Produced by Chorus Productions Ltd, West End Does: Christmas in Oz will take place in two concerts at Cadogan Hall in London on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Tickets are available now through the Cadogan Hall website, so be sure to secure yours early for this festive celebration!
Ncuti Gatwa and Sharon D. Clarke Lead The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre
The National Theatre has announced the complete cast for its highly anticipated revival of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed by Max Webster, this production marks his debut at the National Theatre and is set to run at the Lyttelton Theatre from November 20, 2024, to January 25, 2025.
The stellar cast features Sharon D Clarke as the formidable Lady Bracknell, Ncuti Gatwa as the charming Algernon Moncrieff, and Hugh Skinner as the earnest Jack Worthing. Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́ will portray Gwendolen Fairfax, while Eliza Scanlen takes on the role of Cecily Cardew. The cast is rounded out by Richard Cant as Reverend Canon Chasuble, Amanda Lawrence as Miss Prism, and Julian Bleach as Merriman/Lane.
Joining this impressive lineup are ensemble members Shereener Browne (The Effect), Jasmine Kerr (Follies), Gillian McCafferty (The Rise and Fall of Little Voice), Elliot Pritchard (Museum of Austerity), and John Vernon (Coriolanus).
This production will also be filmed live for a worldwide cinema release starting February 20, 2025. The creative team behind this revival includes set and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting designer Jon Clark, and sound designer Nicola T. Chang. Other members of the creative team include movement director Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, composer DJ Walde, and intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon.
Audiences can expect a fresh interpretation of Wilde’s sharp wit and social commentary, delivered by a dynamic cast. This revival is poised to bring new life to a classic that continues to resonate with contemporary themes of identity and societal expectations.
Saturday, 28 September 2024
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood: A Cozy, Witchy Autumn Read with Heart and Magic | Book Review
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
Published: September 2024 by Pan Macmillan
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a delightful, whimsical read that blends magic, self-discovery, and a touch of romance. Set against an autumnal backdrop, the story feels like the perfect cosy companion for crisp autumn evenings. Lucy's writing is light, engaging, and full of charm, creating a world that feels grounded in reality but dusted with just enough magic to keep you on your toes. It’s this balance that makes the book feel both relatable and thrilling- an exciting escape that still feels close to home.
At the heart of the story is Belle, a young woman in her twenties who is on a journey of self-discovery. She’s navigating the complexities of friendship, love, and her growing abilities as a witch. What makes Belle such a relatable character is her vulnerability- her self-doubt, uncertainty, and introspective nature are portrayed in a way that many readers, especially those, like me, in their twenties, will find familiar. Her love for books and reading added an extra layer of depth to her character, which really resonated with me as a fellow book lover.
One of the standout elements of Rewitched is the way Lucy Jane Wood captures that feeling of trying to find your place in the world- whether in relationships, career, or simply figuring out who you want to be. Belle’s internal struggles, particularly her self-doubt, are written with honesty and sensitivity, giving her a relatable, human quality that grounds the magical elements of the story. I also appreciated how Belle’s passion for books was woven into the narrative- it made her feel even more real, and I loved that a character so deeply rooted in magic was also a lover of literature.
The romance subplot between Belle and Rune added a lovely dimension to the story. The slow-burn dynamic between them was enjoyable, but I did feel that it could have been developed a bit further. While the chemistry between them was palpable, there were moments where I was left wanting more- more depth, more interaction, and more emotional payoff. At times, it felt like there were missed opportunities to delve deeper into their relationship. Additionally, there were a few plot points that seemed like they were going to tie into the larger story but didn’t quite pan out. Some plot threads were left hanging, which left me wanting a bit more closure by the end.
That being said, the book's pace was fast and engaging, keeping me invested even when I could predict certain twists. I did guess the main plot twist before it happened, but it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment of the story. The magic and mystery unfolded with a steady momentum that kept things exciting, and despite a few loose ends, I found myself eager to see how everything would play out.
What really sets Rewitched apart from other witchy reads is the slightly more grown-up feel it has. While it maintains a fun, cosy atmosphere, the themes of self-doubt, identity, and navigating young adulthood give it more depth than you might expect from a typical seasonal read. Lucy Jane Wood's writing brings a level of warmth and charm that makes this book feel comforting, while still providing enough magic and intrigue to keep it engaging.
Rewitched is a delightful, autumnal escape that’s perfect for anyone looking for a magical yet relatable read. The characters, especially Belle, are easy to connect with, and the world Lucy has created is both familiar and exciting. While the romance could have used a bit more development and there were a few loose threads, the overall experience was warm, whimsical and left me smiling. If you’re looking for a witchy book that balances heart, magic, and a touch of romance, Rewitched is a wonderful pick for your fall reading list.
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