Zorro the musical London Previews June 25, 2008
Posted by admin in : garrick, zorro , 4commentsZorro the Musical
Zorro The Musical begins previewing in London on June 30th at the Garrick Theatre near Trafalgar Square. This is a show that promises a very special combination of great music, dance, acrobatics and drama in the fabulous Flamenco style.
** Book Zorro the musical theatre breaks **
The plot re-tells a legendary story of good versus evil set in hispanic America and uses sensational aerial acrobatics, closely choreographed sword-fighting and special effects magic. The traditional flamenco music and dance is authentically brought to the West End stage via world famous flamenco dancer Rafael Amargo and leading flemenco musicians and singers of the renowned Gypsy Kings.
* Director:
Christopher Renshaw directs having experience from We Will Rock You and The King and I.
* Score
The Gipsy Kings provide the score including some of their best known numbers: Bambeleo, Baila Me and Djobi Djoba.
* Choreography
By world famous flamenco dancer Rafael Amargo
* Cast
A cast of 30 includes some of the West End’s leading musical theatre performers and authentic flamenco artists.
* Matt Rawle takes the title role of Zorro aka Diego
Matt’s West End credentials include Miss Saigon, the title role in Martin Guerre and he also performed as Che in Evita.
* Emma Williams stars as Luisa, Zorro’s love interest, having played Johanna in Sweeney Todd and been in the original production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
* Adam Levy as Ramon.
Adam Levy’s London stage credits include Nick Hytner’s Henry V at the National Theatre.
* Lesli Margherita as Inez
* Other cast members for this new production of Zorro The Musical include Nick Cavaliere and Jonathan Newth.
** Book Zorro the musical theatre breaks **
Billy Elliot - new Billy played by London boy June 23, 2008
Posted by Linda in : billy elliot, cast changes , add a commentBilly Elliot the Musical will have a new star tonight, Monday June 23 rd 2008. Fox Jackson-Keen will make his West End Stage debut in the title roll. Fox, who is from Hornsey, is the first Londoner to play Billy Elliot.
Fox is the sixteenth boy have to perform the role in the London production. He joins current Billy Elliot’s Layton Williams (14, Manchester), Hogan Fulton (13, California) and Joshua Fedrick (14, Cornwall). Other current cast members include Jackie Clune (Mrs Wilkinson), Phil Whitchurch (Dad), Chris Lennon (Tony), Ann Emery (Grandma), Trevor Fox (George), Alex Delamere (Mr Braithwaite), Sara Poyzer (Mum) and Barnaby Meredith (Older Billy).
Billy Elliot is booking until 11 April 2009: book Billy Elliot theatre breaks
Jersey Boys Live June 22, 2008
Posted by admin in : jersey boys, westendlive , add a commentThe Jersey Boys were a hit at West End Live on both Saturday and Sunday, giving a taste of their popular show to a happy audience in Leicester Square. Here’s a video from the Saturday
The stars of the show clearly enjoyed playing to an outdoor crowd for a change but had to hurry back to the Prince Edward theatre straight afterwards.
Buddy Holly at West End Live June 21, 2008
Posted by admin in : buddy holly, westendlive , 1 comment so farSaturday’s West End Live lineup included so many class acts with full chorus lines, great songs, singing and dance choreography, performed as little set pieces from some of the best London musicals.
One in particular showed how a just a few minutes glimpse of a live act can give a really good idea of why it would be hugely enjoyable to go and see the full show at the theatre, and that was Buddy. These boys have so much energy, talent and showmanship you know you are just going to have a ball throughout the entire theatre show.
Many thanks to ‘flumpduck‘ for capturing Buddy on video, and for sharing West End Live 2008 pictures and video with the London Theatre Flickr group
** Book Buddy Holly Theatre Breaks **
West End Live 2008 - running order June 21, 2008
Posted by Linda in : news, westendlive , add a commentWest End LIVE 2008 is a free family event taking place outdoors in Leicester Square, London on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June. The entertainment kicks off at 11am on Saturday morning and again at 12noon on the Sunday with plenty of top acts packed in to the line up on the huge main stage. Most of the West End’s top shows will be presenting full cast excerpts from the shows with several songs and dances from each during the day.
Here is the running order, which is likely to stick pretty closely to the following schedule. If you are able to make it, have a great day out and do please share any photos and short videos taken in the London Theatre Flickr group or similar, posting links in the comments below. Cheers.
Saturday 21st June |
|
| 11.00 | Jersey Boys |
| 11.15 | Into The Hoods |
| 11.30 | Wicked |
| 11.45 | Lord of the Rings |
| 12.00 | Dirty Dancing |
| 12.20 | The Players Theatre |
| 12.45 | We Will Rock You |
| 13.00 | Never Forget |
| 13.15 | Grease |
| 13.30 | Chicago |
| 13.45 | Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat |
| 14.00 | Mamma Mia |
| 14.20 | Bar Rumba present Salsateca |
| 14.35 | Buddy |
| 14.55 | Royal Albert Hall Ignite Series present King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys |
| 15.35 | Avenue Q |
| 16.00 | ‘Stars of the Future’ – The Sylvia Young Theatre School |
| 16.20 | High School Musical |
| 16.35 | Pride London event showcase - The London Gay Men’s Chorus |
| 16.55 | Smollenskys Restaurant and Jazz Bar presents The KB Fusionnaires |
| 17.45 | Stomp! |
Sunday 22nd June |
|
| 12.00 | 39 Steps present … |
| 12.00 | Stomp |
| 12.20 | Betwixt |
| 12.35 | The Jersey Boys |
| 12.45 | Justin Fletcher and Friends |
| 13.05 | ‘Stars of the Future’ - National Youth Music Theatre |
| 13.20 | Mamma Mia! |
| 13.40 | All Bob’s Women |
| 13.55 | Brief Encounter |
| 14.10 | Dickens Unplugged |
| 14.25 | London Notting Hill Carnival event showcase - Flamboyan |
| 14.45 | Divas |
| 15.05 | The Sound of Music |
| 15:20 | ‘Stars of the Future’ - West End Kids |
| 15.40 | The Big Dance event showcase |
| 16.05 | Covent Garden London Showcase |
| 16:25 | Lord Mayor’s WEL presentations |
| 16.40 | Shakespeare’s Globe presents The King Lear Band |
| 16.55 | The Dover Street Restaurant and Jazz Bar presents The Blues Engineers |
| 17.35 | Ain’t Nothin But Blues Bar presents Big Joe Louis and His Blues Kings |
Theatre Breaks in London with the kids - top 5 shows this summer. June 20, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Grease, High School Musical, Musicals, joseph, lion king, opinion, theatre breaks in London, wicked , add a commentA theatre break in London with the kids sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it? There’s so much to do and see in London, even in a British summer. The hotels aren’t too expensive and you can book the whole thing, show tickets, 2 or 3 nights hotel, extras as an all in one package, you can even include the return rail fare. If your children are over the age of 3 you should be able to find a show to suit your family.
So which shows do you go to see?
It really depends on the age of the children and their interests.
Don’t be put off by worries that the shows will all be sold out, companies that sell packages often have good, reasonably priced tickets for hit shows when no one else does.
The Lion King
The Lion King is pure Disney and one of the best shows for mixed ages. The Lion King is so much more than the cartoon. The story is simple and familiar but the spectacle and the power of the live music makes it really something special. Ideal for boys, girls, and just about anyone who likes animals!It is long though and that partly explains the age restrictions (see below).
- Running Time: 2 hours 45 minutes including the interval
- Matinees: Sunday - 3:pm Weds - 2:30pm and Sat 2:00
- Evenings: Shows start at 7:30 except Mondays (no show)
- Recommended age limit
Ideal for 7 plus, below 7 use your discretion but be realistic. Under 4s will not be admitted to the theatre. They are quite strict about this.
** book Lion King theatre breaks **
Joseph
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s version of the biblical story is a family classic. Good for mixed ages the show has plenty of action, strong, well-known songs and is performed by a lively, young cast. Joseph was originally written for children the show keeps their interest well but has enough going on to keep the adults involved too. If you want to see Lea Meads you should know he will be on holiday 28th July - 5th August.
- Running time - 2 hours including interval.
- Matinees: Weds and Sat 3:00pm
- Evenings: Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 7:30 Tues 7:00 (No show Sunday)
** book Joseph theatre breaks **
Wicked
Wicked is ideal for those of you with pre and early teen girls. They will love it! The story is set in Oz before Dorothy gets there and sets out to explain why Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of The West is so wicked and so very green. Wicked sets the record straight about that poor, misunderstood witch. It has some sinister moments but nothing too scary. There aren’t any stated age restrictions but use your judgement. It is very, very long.
- Running time: 2hrs 50mins including interval.
- Matinees:Weds,Sat 2:30
- Evenings:Mon, Tues, Weds,Thurs, Fri, Sat 7:30 (No show Sunday)
** book Wicked theatre breaks **
High School Musical
High School Musical - this is one that anyone between 8 and 16 will know more about than you do!Based on a hit TV series this is the story of Troy, a popular high school basketball star, and Gabriella, a shy, academically gifted newcomer, who discover they share a secret passion for singing. Lively, fun, and very American this is one that the kids (and the adults!) will either love or hate. This is the one they are likely to think is ‘cool’ to see and to brag about.
- Running time :2 hours 20 with interval
- Matinees: Sun, Weds and Sat 3:00
- Evenings: Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat 7:30 (Monday - no show)
** book High School Musical theatre breaks **
Grease
We all know the story of Sandy the goody two-shoes from Australia who falls in love with bad boy Danny Zuko over the summer holiday and their reunion at Rydell High School. The songs from Grease are classics and they are sung with great energy by this lively cast. Best for 10 plus the story and music will appeal to both boys and girls. If you want to see Ray Quinn (X-Factor) remember he’s on holiday 19th-25th of August.
** book Grease theatre breaks **
Top Tips
- Try for aisle seats- so much easier!
- A bag of small, non-messy snacks (small bags of sliced apples,carrots, etc., little boxes of raisins) and juice cartons is a good idea. Minimise the sugar intake!
- Take small, wriggly people for regular walks.
The Shows To Avoid
- Despite the puppets Avenue Q is not suitable for under 15s and has adult themes.
- Billie Elliot includes a lot of language that makes it unsuitable for young children.
Grease - Ray Quinn joins cast June 20, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Grease, cast changes , add a commentRay Quinn of X-Factor fame is making his West End debut in Grease in the role of Doody, the youngest of the boys. He will be in the show for a limited season - until 15 November 2008. Ray started his acting career in Channel 4’s Brookside and has had a No 1. Platinum selling album ‘Doing It My Way’.
Producer David Ian says,
“I’m absolutely thrilled. This production has been wowing audiences for 15 years now and with the terrific Ray Quinn joining us as a special guest star, I know it’s the one that audiences will want for years to come!”
Doody
I think Ray will be perfect for the role of Doody. He’s is the youngest of the guys, small and with a boyish air of innocence. He’s easily impressed by the guys bravado and takes them at face value.
His main songs are Those Magic Changes, with the company, and Rock and Roll Party Queen, with Roger.
Grease
Say what you will about Grease, it is without doubt popular and still pulls in the crowds. It is a feel good summer musical, and often that’s just what we want!
** Book Grease Theatre Breaks **
Dickens Unplugged - close announced June 18, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Comedy theatre, comedy, dates , add a commentDickens Unplugged will close on 29 June at the Comedy.
A spokesperson for the show said:
“The producers wish to thank the talented cast, creative team and company for all their hard work and dedication to this production. Despite fantastic performances and enthusiastic audiences, the ticket sales have not been sufficient and the producers have had to make the difficult decision to close the show.”
Dickens Unplugged opened May 23rd.
Mel B in Legally Blonde? June 14, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Legally Blonde, news , 2comments
Legally Blonde the musical is due to open ’somewhere’ in the West End in 2009 and possibly with Mel B playing Paulette. I’m struggling to imagine Scary Spice in the role and it’s not at all clear if she will be in the show or not. There’s nothing on the official web site yet - just a holding page. However according to one source her publicity people have said:
“She has in fact been offered the part of Paulette in the London West End production. The offer has been extended by James Hopson of Pippa Ailion Casting. James (on behalf of the producers) has pursued her over the past 2 months to the degree that they are now flying Melanie out to NY to see the Broadway production this weekend. I can assure you it’s an expensive trip as it involves Melanie and her family, so they are deadly serious about this.”
source - Perezhilton.com
Paulette
In case you haven’t seen the film, Paulette the beautician responsible for the transformation of Elle into a brunette and a major character in the show.
Piccadilly Theatre?
It seems likely Legally Blonde will follow Grease into the Piccadilly Theatre when/if it closes in January 2009.
Marguerite - the musical for grown-ups June 14, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Theatre Royal, marguerite , 4commentsMarguerite The Musical
Marguerite is an ideal choice if you are planning a theatre break in London and fancy something a bit more grown up than the usual fare. Tempted by some of the comments on the blog we went to see Marguerite, currently playing at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. I was hoping for a rather special treat and I wasn’t disappointed.
The Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal, Haymarket is a gorgeous traditional theatre. As we reached the grand entrance and saw the stylish posters I began to feel quite excited. We’d allowed ourselves plenty of time to get there so were in no hurry. I treated myself to a programme and we made our way to the elegant downstairs bar. The bar was comfortably cool and surprisingly airy after the heat of the busy city. After a casual glance through the programme and a glass of my favourite dry sherry it was time to head for our seats.
As we waited for the start we spent our time people watching. It’s a very different crowd to the one you see at Wicked, that’s for sure! I think it really must be a musical for grown-ups. The audience was quiet and attentive, clapping and showing their appreciation. They seemed content to wait for the interval to eat and I didn’t see any giant buckets of popcorn, or any mobile phones.
Marguerite - The Show
Soon I was swept up in the romance of the story. Based on the Dumas novel La Dame aux Camélias it is a plot that has been used many times since, most recently by Baz Lurman in Moulin Rouge. Having said that, for Marguerite the action moves forward to wartime Paris and this adds some fresh twists and turns to the plot. Marguerite is the doomed heroine, Otto her German lover and Armand the young French muscian with whom she falls so devastatingly in love. Their love affair is echoed and contrasted with that of another pair of lovers, Annette, Armand’s sister and Lucien, her Jewish partner.
The Cast of Marguerite
Our star, of course, was Ruthie Henshall as Marguerite. She starts off as brittle and brilliant as the China Doll of the song and gradually shifts into someone much more human and sympathetic. Not an easy thing to do at all but I think she did it with panache.
Played by Julien Ovendon, Armand was everything you’d expect, rash, impetuous and obsessed. Idealistic about his love for Marguerite, he’d no time for her attempts to make him see the impossible situation and dangers they faced. His voice soared in their duets but I found it most moving when he sang What’s Left of Love? Hankies at the ready!
Alexander Hanson even made Otto almost sympathetic at times, as trapped in some ways as Marguerite, before eventually showing his darker more, ruthless side.I was a bit worried that the sight of stage Nazis might be a little too close to Springtime for Hitler, or worse yet ‘Allo Allo’! but it was skilfully avoided.
I though Annalene Beechey played Annette, Armand’s sister very convincingly and her voice was just a delight, so pure and clear, quite heart rending at times. Her voice blended so well with Simon Thomas, who played Lucien, and their duet ‘Take Good Care of Yourself ‘definitely brought tears to my eyes.
Then there’s Marguerite’s agent, Georges, a slippery character played wonderfully by Andrew C Wadsworth. In the second act Gay Soper as the Chanteuse sings a couple of songs, including one in French, in the chanteuse style which I particularly enjoyed.
The ensemble deserve a mention as their singing of some pretty complex stuff was brilliant. The song Day by Day changes gradually each time it is sung till by the end the meaning has totally shifted. Their acting was good too, portraying a group who always knew how to look after themselves.
The Music
Some people have said they didn’t enjoy the music but I loved it. The songs have filled my head for the last couple of days. I do have favourites, China Doll is so sad and pretty, Jazz Time (I’m a sucker for a bit of le jazz hot!) and I like Intoxication. This was sung as a trio by Marguerite, Otto and Armand and beautifully done I might add!
Back in London
By the end of the show I was emotionally wrung out and snivelling, along with many of the audience. We wandered into the night amazed to find it wasn’t even dark yet and we were in London not Paris, sadly! Still there was time for a stroll round the West End, soaking in the buzz, talking about our favourite bits. We ended up having a quiet drink in the pub opposite Jersey Boys and watching as the crowd came out, wandered off in search of supper or climbed into the waiting rickshaws. They looked as if they’d had just as entertaining an evening as we had and after a bit of discussion we decided there has to be room in the West End for both a ‘jukebox’ musical like Jersey Boys and more original productions like Marguerite. As I said at the start, Marguerite is an ideal choice for more sophisticated musical theatre in London’s West End.
