Posts with the label musicals
Showing posts with label musicals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label musicals. Show all posts
Sunday 20 October 2024
THEATRE NEWS ROUNDUP 13th-19th October 2024
It's been another week of exciting theatre announcements! Here’s a quick recap of the highlights, with links to the full stories:
Craig Wright’s gripping play, The Unseen will open at Riverside Studios next month.
The Lord of the Rings- A Musical Tale to Premiere at Theatre Royal Plymouth in October 2025
The musical is set for an exclusive UK run before embarking on a European tour, following its critically acclaimed performances in Chicago, Auckland, and Australia
Orange Tree Theatre's 2025 season brings an exciting mix of world premieres, classic revivals, and the launch of OT Under 30 Nights, making theatre more accessible to younger audiences with discounted tickets and engaging post-show events.
The auction aims to raise funds to support the charity’s mission of making theatre accessible to young people and their families, especially those facing financial, social, or physical barriers.
Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper! promises to be a wildly entertaining adult pantomime, packed with cheeky humour, outrageous performances, and a fabulously queer twist on the classic tale.
A pop-up costume exhibition in Covent Garden celebrates Tina- The Tina Turner Musical, showcasing iconic looks from the production and honouring Tina Turner’s legacy with a special partnership supporting Women’s Aid.
The 2025 UK tour of Bat Out of Hell- The Musical brings Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf's iconic rock hits to life with a newly announced full cast, kicking off in January and running through September.
A new cast debuted in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre this week, as the production continues its acclaimed run through June 2025.
Deafinitely Theatre has been awarded £273,675 by The National Lottery to fund its Deafinitely Youth Theatre programme for the next five years, continuing its mission to provide free, accessible theatre training for deaf and hard of hearing young people aged 14-21.
This winter, La Clique is celebrating 20 years of thrilling cabaret with a star-studded cast, jaw-dropping performances, and exclusive shows in Leicester Square.
Grammy-nominated NSYNC star JC Chasez teams up with Golden Globe-winning songwriter Jimmy Harry for an exciting new musical theatre concept album, Playing With Fire, inspired by Frankenstein and set to release October 25, 2024.
The UK premiere of Dave Malloy’s Tony-nominated musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is set to debut at Donmar Warehouse from December 9, 2024, featuring a stellar cast led by Declan Bennett and Chumisa Dornford-May.
The 2025 UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is set to return with an all-star cast, including Donny Osmond as Pharaoh and Christina Bianco as Narrator, starting its magical Christmas run in Edinburgh this December.
Bradley Riches, Amber Davies, and Claudia Kariuki Join Scott Alan in Concert at Cadogan Hall
Renowned songwriter Scott Alan will perform live at Cadogan Hall on Sunday, November 10, 2024, joined by a star-studded lineup including Bradley Riches, Amber Davies, and Claudia Kariuki, along with Amy di Bartolemeo, Oliver Tompsett, and Stuart Matthew Price. Tickets are available now.
101 Dalmatians Cast Teams Up with Guide Dogs UK for a Pawsome Charity Event at Woking's New Victoria Theatre
The cast of 101 Dalmatians the Musical, led by Kym Marsh as Cruella de Vil, met real-life guide dogs and puppies in training during a special charity event at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. The event raised £2,115 for Guide Dogs UK.
Have a brilliant, stagey week and we'll see you next Sunday for another theatre news roundup! In the meantime, keep an eye out on our socials for live theatre updates.
Friday 18 October 2024
101 Dalmatians Cast Teams Up with Guide Dogs UK for a Pawsome Charity Event at Woking's New Victoria Theatre
Last week, the New Victoria Theatre in Woking hosted a heartwarming event where theatre magic met charitable efforts, as the cast of 101 Dalmatians the Musical teamed up with Guide Dogs UK to support their work. Led by Hear’Say star Kym Marsh, who plays Cruella de Vil, the cast had the opportunity to meet some special guests: real-life guide dogs and puppies in training.
Guide Dogs UK was invited to the theatre for a week-long charity initiative that proved to be a tremendous success. Thanks to the generosity of Woking audiences, the charity raised an impressive £2,115 through post-show bucket collections. These funds will directly benefit Guide Dogs UK in their mission to help individuals with sight loss lead independent lives.
In a memorable behind-the-scenes moment, the cast- fully dressed in their 101 Dalmatians costumes- met the working guide dogs and the adorable puppies in training on stage. This touching encounter saw the dogs even interact with the show’s dalmatian puppets, earning the guide dogs’ official tail-wag of approval. It was a heartwarming mix of life imitating art, as the show, which revolves around the lovable spotted dogs, took the chance to connect with some real-life canine heroes.
Sandi Johnson, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager for Guide Dogs, was delighted by the experience and the support from the Woking community:
My guide dog, Kane, and I, along with our local fundraisers, have felt incredibly welcome at the New Victoria Theatre this week. We can’t thank you enough for the generosity and enthusiasm."
The Mayor of Woking was also part of the joyful event, attending the press performance and joining the cast and guide dogs for a photocall that celebrated the success of the partnership.
The event created quite a buzz on social media, with a behind-the-scenes reel capturing the magical moment when the cast met the guide dogs. The video, posted in collaboration with Kym Marsh, garnered 75,000 views and over 1,300 likes on Instagram, highlighting the power of theatre to not only entertain but also inspire and support important causes.
This special collaboration between 101 Dalmatians the Musical and Guide Dogs UK is an example of how the performing arts can raise awareness and funds for charitable causes while creating magical moments for all involved. The New Victoria Theatre and its patrons truly showed the generosity and community spirit that Woking is known for.
With Kym Marsh at the helm as the delightfully wicked Cruella de Vil, and with real-life guide dogs wagging their tails in support, it’s clear that this event was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of the pawsitive impact that theatre and charity can make together.
Bradley Riches, Amber Davies, and Claudia Kariuki Join Scott Alan in Concert at Cadogan Hall
Fourth Wall Live has announced a stellar cast of guest vocalists set to perform with internationally acclaimed songwriter Scott Alan at his upcoming concert at Cadogan Hall on November 10, 2024. Headlining the event are Heartstopper star Bradley Riches (Babies The Musical), Amber Davies (Back to the Future, Pretty Woman), and Claudia Kariuki (Six, Sister Act), alongside previously announced performers Amy di Bartolemeo (The Devil Wears Prada, Bat Out of Hell), Oliver Tompsett (Kinky Boots, Wicked), and Stuart Matthew Price (The Rocky Horror Show, Parade). Tickets are on sale now at www.fw-live.com and www.cadoganhall.com.
Scott Alan is renowned for his work with some of the biggest names in theatre, TV, film, and recording, including Grammy Award-winning Pentatonix, Broadway stars like Sutton Foster and Lea Salonga, and Westlife’s Mark Feehily. Alan has released seven albums, beginning with Dreaming Wide Awake in 2007, and he continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his heartwarming and emotionally charged compositions. His music has been featured on major platforms such as American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and Entertainment Tonight, and he has performed sold-out concerts across the globe.
Most recently, Alan released Nothing More, a deeply personal collection of songs written for his daughter, which features Gay and Transgender fathers. His upcoming performance at Cadogan Hall marks the 15th anniversary of his debut album, and he has expressed immense excitement about returning to London, saying:
Returning to London after so many years away feels like coming home... this night feels like a giant hug."
Fourth Wall Live has a history of producing unforgettable musical theatre concerts, with recent successes including Bonnie & Clyde The Musical, headlined by Jeremy Jordan, and the UK premieres of Something Rotten and Oklahoma!, which featured a star-studded cast. FWL’s ongoing commitment to bringing world-class talent to the stage continues with this exciting Scott Alan concert, set to be one of the highlights of the 2024 theatre calendar.
Scott Alan's live concert at Cadogan Hall is a must-see for theatre and music fans alike. Featuring an exceptional lineup of performers and celebrating the legacy of Alan’s impactful music, this one-night-only event will be an unforgettable celebration of musical theatre.
Thursday 17 October 2024
Full Cast Revealed for 2025 Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Michael Harrison has announced additional casting for the highly anticipated second UK tour of the London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. The show, which kicks off on December 3, 2024, at Edinburgh Playhouse, features two iconic Pharaohs- Donny Osmond and Joe McElderry- and introduces Christina Bianco as the Narrator and Adam Filipe as Joseph.
Tickets are on sale now at uktour.josephthemusical.com.
Global entertainment legend Donny Osmond will return to the stage in the UK for the first time in years, playing Pharaoh in this celebrated production. Having performed as Joseph in over 2,000 shows and starring in the 1999 filmed version with Joan Collins, Richard Attenborough, and Maria Friedman, Osmond brings his signature charisma to the role for a limited run. His UK dates will be exclusive to the Edinburgh Playhouse Christmas season.
Joining Osmond on tour is pop sensation and former Joseph star Joe McElderry, who takes over the role of Pharaoh across several UK locations. After his popular turn as Joseph in the 2017–2018 tour, McElderry is set to captivate audiences in venues like Sunderland’s Empire Theatre, Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, and Leicester’s Curve, among many others.
Christina Bianco, a two-time Drama Desk Award nominee and viral YouTube sensation known for her diva impressions and recent West End role as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, will narrate the 2025 tour. She is joined by Adam Filipe as Joseph, whose credits include Titanic The Musical, The Prince of Egypt, and Les Misérables. Together, they will perform at all tour dates, promising show-stopping performances.
The ensemble features Hugh Cotton as Reuben and Will Haswell as Simeon. The full cast also includes Aaron Archer, Bella Baldock, Daniel Bowskill, Imogen Bowtell, Taylor Bridges, Joseph Browlie-Johnson, Joseph Craig, Davide Fienauri, Ellie Greenway, Oliver Hawes, Kiera Haynes, Siobhan James, Ben Lancaster, Nicole Lupino, Bradley Perret, Harvey Shulver, Jessica Sutton, Charley Warburton, Jenna Warne, and Alex Woodward. The children’s company will feature an array of talented young performers from across the UK.
The 2025 tour is directed by Laurence Connor, whose previous work includes School of Rock, Miss Saigon, and Les Misérables. Choreography is by JoAnn M Hunter, who has worked on 20 Broadway shows, including On A Clear Day You Can See Forever. Set and costume design is by Morgan Large, with lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Gareth Owen. The musical direction is led by John Rigby, with John Cameron as orchestrator.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat remains one of the world’s most beloved musicals, with its pop-infused score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The show has been performed globally since its 1969 debut and features timeless hits like "Any Dream Will Do" and "Close Every Door."
With an incredible cast and spectacular production values, the 2025 tour of Joseph promises to be a dazzling celebration of one of musical theatre’s greatest shows. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the musical, this tour is not to be missed!
Complete Cast Announced for UK Premiere of Dave Malloy’s Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 at Donmar Warehouse
The highly anticipated UK premiere of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Dave Malloy’s celebrated musical inspired by Tolstoy’s War and Peace, has officially announced its full casting. The production will run at the Donmar Warehouse from December 9, 2024, through February 8, 2025, under the direction of Tim Sheader.
This groundbreaking musical, which garnered 12 Tony Award nominations during its 2017 Broadway run, is set in 19th-century Russia and tells the story of Natasha Rostova, a young aristocrat who falls in love with the dashing Anatole while awaiting her fiancé’s return from war. The tale weaves together passion, scandal, and redemption, with the character of Pierre stepping in as an unlikely hero to restore Natasha’s honour.
The role of Pierre will be played by Jesus Christ Superstar star Declan Bennett, while Chumisa Dornford-May takes on the role of Natasha Rostova. The rest of the cast includes a mix of acclaimed stage performers: Daniel Krikler (Oklahoma!) as Fedya Dolokhov, Eugene McCoy (Only Fools and Horses) as Prince Bolkonsky/Andrey, Annette McLaughlin (Strictly Ballroom) as Marya Dimitriyevna, Maimuna Memon (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) as Sonya Rostova, Jamie Muscato (Heathers) as Anatole, Cedric Neal (Back to the Future) as Balaga, Chloe Saracco (Pride and Prejudice) as Mary, and Cat Simmons (Aladdin) as Helene Kuragina Bezukhova.
Rounding out the ensemble are Andrew Berlin, Kimberly Blake, Ali Goldsmith, Chihiro Kawasaki, Nitai Levi, and Annie Majin, all of whom will add to the show’s immersive, multi-sensory experience.
The Donmar Warehouse production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is helmed by a top-tier creative team. Tim Sheader directs, with Ellen Kane (Matilda the Musical) providing choreography. Nicholas Skilbeck (Follies) will serve as musical supervisor, and Sam Young will conduct the show’s vibrant, eclectic score.
Leslie Travers handles the set design, bringing 19th-century Russia to life, while Evie Gurney designs the period costumes. Lighting design is by Howard Hudson, with sound design by Nick Lidster and Gareth Tucker for Autograph, ensuring an immersive atmosphere throughout the performance. Additional creative support comes from associate director Fiona Dunn, associate choreographer Nuno Silva, associate casting director Richard Johnston, and resident assistant director Grace Duggan.
Casting is directed by industry veterans Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher.
This UK premiere marks a significant moment for British audiences as they get the chance to witness one of Broadway's most unique musical theatre experiences. With a compelling score that blends folk, classical, and modern influences.
NSYNC’s JC Chasez & Golden Globe Winner Jimmy Harry Announce New Musical Theatre Concept Album 'Playing With Fire'
Music lovers and theatre enthusiasts, get ready for something new! Center Stage Records is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Playing With Fire, a brand-new musical theatre concept album crafted by NSYNC’s JC Chasez and Golden Globe winner Jimmy Harry. This highly anticipated project, inspired by Mary Shelley's classic novel Frankenstein, is set to be released on Friday, October 25, 2024.
This marks a major milestone for JC Chasez, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer, as it will be his first foray into the world of musical theatre. Known worldwide for his role in NSYNC, Chasez brings his distinctive voice and creativity to this exciting project, making it a must-listen for fans of theatre and pop music alike.
Teaming up with Chasez is renowned producer, composer, and songwriter Jimmy Harry, who has worked with some of the biggest names in music and secured a Golden Globe for his extraordinary talent. Together, they’ve crafted Playing With Fire, a concept album that will take listeners on an emotional journey, reimagining the themes of creation, ambition, and humanity at the heart of Frankenstein. The album also features the stunning vocal talents of Cardamon Rozzi and Lily Elise, adding new dimensions to this genre-blending project.
Stay tuned for more details as they are revealed on the official release date, October 25, 2024. This is one musical experience you won’t want to miss!
La Clique Returns to London for its 20th Anniversary Season- Tickets On Sale Now!
This Winter, La Clique returns to London for its highly anticipated 20th-anniversary season, running from November 6, 2023, to January 5, 2024. The award-winning show, known for its dazzling mix of circus, cabaret, and burlesque, is back with a star-studded cast and a whole new lineup of performances that will take your breath away. With tickets on sale now at lacliquetheshow.com, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
La Clique’s 20th anniversary season promises an unforgettable spectacle, featuring some of the world’s most daring artists. Audiences can expect extraordinary stunts, gravity-defying performances, and sequins galore. The cast includes both new and returning favourites, making this season a perfect blend of legacy and fresh talent.
Among the new performers joining La Clique for the first time is hand-balancer Danik Abishev, known for his incredible ladder manipulation act. Roller-skating duo Isis Clegg-Vinell & Nathan Price will also make their debut, showcasing their breathtaking, death-defying stunts. Fans can look forward to the return of crowd-pleasers like aerialist Katharine Arnold, tension strap performer LJ Marles, and juggler Florian Brooks, ensuring that this season will be as thrilling as ever.
In celebration of two decades of global success, La Clique will offer 20 tickets per performance at just £25. And for the first time ever, La Clique Lates will take over Leicester Square every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. This unique 70-minute show, with no interval, promises to be the hottest late-night event in London this winter.
As the 20th anniversary season kicks off, audiences are invited to experience the magic of La Clique at the Leicester Square Spiegeltent. The show’s groundbreaking mix of daring acrobatics, comedy, and cabaret has redefined variety for the 21st century, making it a must-see event. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the La Clique experience, this anniversary production is sure to be an unforgettable night out.
David Bates, The Spiegelmaestro, reflects on the milestone, saying:
We’re celebrating 20 years of La Clique with a lineup of world-class acts that span generations. It’s a season where legacy meets the latest talent, and we can’t wait to welcome new members to our family. Raise a glass to 20 years of La Clique!"
Get your tickets now and be part of this extraordinary celebration of cabaret, circus, and fearless performances!
photo credit: Jody Hartley
Wednesday 16 October 2024
Deafinitely Theatre Receives National Lottery Funding for 5 Years of their Youth Programme
Deafinitely Theatre has announced that they have been awarded £273,675 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support their Deafinitely Youth Theatre (DYT) programme over the next five years. Founded in 2010, DYT provides annual opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing young people aged 14-21 to explore their creativity in theatre. Led by industry professionals, the programme has supported over 400 young people through workshops, productions, theatre trips, and mentoring. Notable alumni include actors and creatives like Eloise Pennycott, William Grint, Claire Wetherall, and Strictly Come Dancing champion and DYT Patron Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE.
This significant funding will ensure that DYT can continue to provide free access to their youth theatre development programme, which empowers participants with theatre training, social skills, and confidence. Speaking about the grant, Paula Garfield MBE, Artistic Director of Deafinitely Theatre, said, "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this vital multi-year funding... Our Deafinitely Youth programme has remained the UK’s leading opportunity for deaf young people to explore their creativity, engage with theatre, and showcase their talents."
Deafinitely Youth Theatre is unique in offering fully accessible theatre training to deaf young people. Through residential weeks, theatre skills workshops, work experience placements, and more, DYT helps participants build confidence, explore their creative talents, and develop connections within the deaf community. The programme provides a safe and welcoming environment for young people to discover their artistic potential and develop a sense of deaf identity through theatre.
DYT alumni have spoken highly of their experiences. Eloise Pennycott, who participated in 2019, said:
They have been wonderfully supportive in my transition into an emerging creative, and it is so heartening to work with a company that puts deafness and sign language at the heart of theatre.
Current DYT member Jude Powell added:
Deafinitely Youth Theatre has deeply influenced my life, improving my acting skills and confidence... Deafinitely Youth Theatre will always hold a special place in my heart.
photo credit: Phoebe Capewell
New Cast Joins Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre
The producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child- Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender, and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions—are thrilled to welcome a new cast that begins performances at the Palace Theatre this week. This acclaimed, multi-award-winning London production continues to enchant audiences, with bookings now open until 29 June 2025.
The new cast features Claire Lams as Ginny Potter, alongside David Ricardo-Pearce reprising his role as Harry Potter and Ellis Rae returning as their son Albus Potter. Eve de Leon Allen will make her debut as Rose Granger-Weasley, daughter of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, with Thomas Aldridge and Jade Ogugua continuing in their roles as Ron and Hermione, respectively. Steve John Shepherd remains as Draco Malfoy, joined by Harry Acklowe as his son Scorpius Malfoy.
In addition to the core cast, the ensemble includes Ishmail Aaron, David Annen, Nicole-Lily Baisden, Sabina Cameron, Rob Curtis, Zijuan Elsol, Gabriel Fleary, Rory Fraser, Tim Hibberd, Sally Jayne Hind, Max Hunter, Dewayne Jameson Adams, Emma Louise Jones, Julia Kass, Debra Lawrance, Tasha Lim, Matty Loane, Sophie Matthew, Jaden Oshenye, Helen Power, Jocelyn Prah, Conor Quinn, Ian Redford, Catherine Russell, Martin de los Santos, Adam Slynn, Benjamin Stratton, Alex Tomkins, Jake Tuesley, Sam Varley and Katie Wimpenny. Oliver Dawson, Layla Duke, Aubrey Hayes, Rhiannon Parry, Aljosa Radosavljevic, Sienna Sibley and Ethan Webster alternate two children’s roles.
Set 19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s legendary battle against dark forces, this new chapter invites audiences to join them on an extraordinary adventure with a brave new generation arriving at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Spectacular spells, a breathtaking race through time, and an epic showdown against mysterious forces await as the characters grapple with the weight of the future.
Tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are currently available, with prices starting at £15 per part. The regular performance schedule is Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday—no performance; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 2 PM for Part One and 7 PM for Part Two; and Sunday at 1 PM for Part One and 6 PM for Part Two. Access performances are scheduled, including an Audio Described show on Saturday, 9 November 2024, and a Captioned Performance on Saturday, 16 November 2024, with more access performances planned for 2025.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the first story from the Harry Potter universe to be adapted for the stage and serves as the eighth story in the series. Now in its ninth year at the Palace Theatre, the production has captivated over 1.7 million people in the West End and over 11 million globally, boasting an impressive collection of 60 major awards, including nine Laurence Olivier Awards and six Tony Awards for Best New Play. Currently, there are five productions running worldwide, including those in New York, Hamburg, and Tokyo. A North American tour began in September at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre and will move to Los Angeles’ Hollywood Pantages from February to June 2025, before continuing to Washington DC’s Broadway At The National starting on 8 July 2025.
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is crafted into a play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany, featuring movement by Steven Hoggett, set design by Christine Jones, and an impressive array of creative talents including Imogen Heap, Neil Austin, and Jamie Harrison. Produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender, and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions, this magical experience continues to be a must-see event for fans of all ages.
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
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