Imagine This - Casting News August 27, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Imagine This, cast changes , add a commentThe cast of the new musical Imagine This has just been announced. Peter Polycarpou will continue his role as Daniel from the Plymouth production.
Leila Benn-Harris (The Phantom of the Opera, Fame and Evita.) will play Daniel’s daughter Rebecca. She falls in love with Adam.
Simon Gleeson will play Adam, the mysterious stranger. Gleeson is best known in the UK for his TV work (Neighbours, and Eastenders). However he has a great musical track record in his native Australia ( Fame and Mamma Mia!)
Other Cast members for Imagine This
- Bernard Lloyd - Adolph
- Richard Cotton - Blick
- Michael Matus - Izzy
- Gary Milner - Otto
- Steven Serlin - Jan
- Sevan Stephan - Max
- Sarah Ingram - Sarah
- Cameron Leigh - Lola
**Book Imagine This London Theatre Breaks **
Can’t Smile Without You - cast and dates news August 26, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Can't Smile Without You , 10commentsCan’t Smile Without You - dates
Can’t Smile Without You the Barry Manilow compilation musical has announced cast members for Bromley and the following tour. The show is premiering on Sept 28th at the Churchill Theatre before going on a 3 month UK tour.The production will play theatres in Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Hull, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Northampton, Stoke and Newcastle, with further dates to be announced. It is scheduled for a West End transfer sometime in 2009.
Can’t Smile Without You - cast
The casting relies heavily on well known names from recent TV casting shows and from the world of pop.
Francesca Jackson ( Nancy finalist, Rent:Remixed, Tonight’s the Night) has a leading role as Lucy, a band member
Chesney Hawkes , (the well known pop singer) plays Tony, the male lead.
Siobhan Dillon (How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?) plays Mandy
Can’t Smile Without You - the story and music
A young band visit New York and by chance audition for a reality TV show. The TV company only offers lead singer Tony a chance to appear on the show. The rest of the band support him and give him their blessing.
Following a tragic series of events Tony loses most of his memory. All that seems to be left is the music he loves and his obsession with a girl he once knew called Mandy .
Can’t Smile Without You has a book by Tim Prager based on an original idea by Bill Kenwright, who also produces the show and co-directs it with Keith Strachan.
Can’t Smile Without You features more than 30 Barry Manilow songs including Could it be magic, I write the songs, It’s a Miracle, I Made it Through the Rain, Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again and of course, Mandy and Can’t Smile Without You and even more.
Update - dates and theatres for the tour
Bromley - 28 Aug - 6 Sep Churchill Theatre
Dartford -8 Sep - 13 Sep Orchard Theatre
Liverpool -15 Sep - 20 Sep Empire Theatre
Bristol - 22 Sep - 27 Sep Hippodrome Theatre
Manchester-29 Sep - 4 Oct Palace Theatre
Hull - 6 Oct - 11 Oct New Theatre
Glasgow-13 Oct - 18 Oct King’s Theatre
Edinburgh-20 Oct - 25 Oct Festival Theatre
Nottingham - 3 Nov - 8 Nov Theatre Royal
Northampton-10 Nov - 15 Nov Derngate Theatre
Stoke-17 Nov - 22 Nov Regent Theatre
Darlington- 24 Nov - 29 Nov Civic Theatre
Still no news of the venue and dates for a London transfer for Can’t Smile Without You yet.
Girl With a Pearl Earring - New West End Play August 23, 2008
Posted by Linda in : girl with a pearl earring , add a commentGirl With A Pearl Earring
Girl With a Pearl Earring opens at the Haymarket theatre in London’s West End on September 29th with previews from September 24th. It will run until November 1st.
The story of the Girl With a Pearl Earring
Girl With A Pearl Earring is the story of Johannes Vermeer and his growing obsession with his young servant Griet. Soon after her arrival in his household he has her helping in the studio and he starts to teach her to paint. She becomes his muse and his model. In secret Vermeer uses her as the model for one of his most famous works, Girl With A Pearl Earring (1665).
A novel, film and now a play all called “Girl With a Pearl Earring”
The play is based on a popular book by Tracy Chevalier. The book was written in 1998 and was a best seller. Chevalier said that she was inspired to write the story by a poster of the painting in her bedroom. She used what few facts were known of Vermeer’s life to create a fictional account of the creation of the painting.
Girl With a Pearl Earing was then adapted as a film in 2003, starring Colin Firth as the Vermeer and Scarlett Johansson as Griet. Chevalier sold the film rights and did not have any involvement in the film. However, she did approve of the outcome.
In this stage adaptation Vermeer is played by Adrian Dunbar (Boeing, Boeing) and Griet by Kimberly Nixon . Although she already has TV and film credits (Sophie in the TV series Cranford, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging) it will be Kimberley’s West End stage debut as she only graduated from the Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama in 2007. The play has been adapted by David Joss Buckley.
Girl With a Pearl Earring is transferring to the West End in London after a short run at the Cambridge Arts Theatre.
Marguerite closing early - September 13th August 21, 2008
Posted by Linda in : dates, marguerite , 2commentsMarguerite will close early on September 13 th. The new musical was originally scheduled to run until November 1st.
Boublil and Schönberg have issued a statement:
“Despite high praise from audience members, critically acclaimed performances and the release of the much anticipated cast recording, we have made the difficult decision to close the show in London a few weeks earlier than originally planned. Both the knock on effect of the current economic climate, as well as disappointing ticket sales throughout the summer months have contributed to our decision to close early.”
They went on to express their gratitude to everyone from cast members to the loyal following the production has gained. the said they are very proud of what has been achieved.
Rehearsals for a Japanese production will start in January and the show will play the Akasaka ACT Theatre in Tokyo in February, followed by performances in Osaka. There are also plans for a Spanish production in 2009 and a French production in 2010.”
I am really sad about this. Marguerite was magnificent and Ruthie Henshall and the rest of the cast were stunning. I was really hoping it might find a new home in the West End after November but it just couldn’t survive the summer lull. What a shame!
I just like to send our commiserations and say Good Luck to all the cast and production team who worked so hard on Marguerite.
Jodie Prenger in Les Miz Chorus August 20, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Les Miserables, news , 5commentsIf you book Les Miserables theatre breaks for anytime in the next few weeks there could be a star bonus in store.
As a preparation for her part in Oliver! Jodie Prenger will be playing a variety of small parts in the London production of Les Miserables. The Stage confirmed today in an exclusive that Jodie will be in the show for some performances from August the 26th for three or four weeks.
Rumours of Jodie’s West End debut have been rife in various online theatre forums for the last couple of weeks so it is good to have it confirmed. It will be Jodie’s first chance to see what it’s like to perform as part of a huge cast in a hit West End show. She’ll see how the ensemble works together on a daily basis and get a feel for the way cast members have to pace themselves. This should help her tremendously in her preparations for playing Nancy.
Of course Jodie Prenger isn’t a complete novice. Still, her experience working on Disney cruise ships and in shows in her native Blackpool are on a different level to day to day life in a West End production. It seems like a very sensible idea to let her experience it in a fairly quiet way first before the spotlight falls on her Nancy.
I know some of our readers are going in the next few weeks so if you do spot Jodie please leave us a comment. We’d love to hear from you! I only hope ‘Jodie spotting’ won’t prove too much of a distraction for those of you who have Les Miserables theatre breaks booked for August or September!
Zorro the Musical - Reviews August 19, 2008
Posted by Linda in : reviews, zorro , add a commentZorro the Musical
My Zorro review: Great Entertainment!
Zorro! was on our list of must-see shows this summer and last week we settled our selves down into our seats and waited to be entertained. I’d heard a lot about fancy sword work, acrobatics and effects but wondered if all of this would get in the way of the story. Well, I needn’t have worried. The show is a great romp through a simple story and I just found it all incredibly enjoyable from start to finish.
Families go to see Zorro
As I looked round the audience I saw a huge mix of ages with families of young children, teenagers and much older people. I was a little concerned about the large number of quite young children but that turned out to be unfounded. They were all just as entranced as everyone else and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Zorro as the perfect show for families.
Zorro as a musical with dance
The lively hot passionate and at times heartbreakingly tragic flamenco songs and guitar music added hugely to the magical theatre atmosphere. personally, I would have been happy to hear more from the flamenco performers, but this complex and at times challenging music is used fairly sparingly, which is perhaps easier for an unaccustomed audience. There are some great original songs and also some from the Gypsy Kings’ own repertoire are woven into the plot quite cleverly.
I particularly enjoyed some of the chorus pieces, and overall the mix of singing and dancing was full of energy and exuberance to the point of creating a wonderfully inviting festival atmosphere by the end of the show.
The cast of Zorro
My absolute favourite was Lesli Margherita as Inez, the Gypsy Queen. She was smart and funny, playing the role with an archness that connected her beautifully with the audience. Her singing and dancing were brilliant.
Matt Rawle made a superb Diego, feckless and charming with an edge of steel. He’s got a lovely sense of comic timing and some of my favourite scenes were between him and Lesi. He’s also very athletic and we were treated to some fine stunt work at which I could only gasp in amazement.
Adam Levy was a stunningly vile Ramon, the villain of the piece. His acting was excellent and his singing very fine. In the end he made the odious Ramon a believable character, a tortured soul, more to be pitied than hated.
Nick Caveliere was very good as Garcia, playing the role with a lovely mix of comedy and pathos.
Emma Williams as Luisa glowed with light and looked lovely from the start, then rose to the occasion of singing the set piece solo and a couple of nice duets. My only small reservation about this casting was that she just seemed to look and act slightly out of place against the colourful hispanic flavour of everything else. Like a moonflower in a bed of hibiscus.
Final thoughts
By the end of an evening I could hardly keep still. The Gypsy King’s music and this exuberant production had got right under my skin and I, and just about everyone else, danced my way out of the theatre. Grinning at each other from ear to ear whilst reluctantly exiting the theatre, the audience left no doubt that they had been well and truly entertained, a great night out having been enjoyed by all. I would thoroughly recommend Zorro the musical to anybody.
** Book Zorro the musical theatre breaks **
Other Zorro Reviews
Three stars from What’s on Stage : Zorro
Four from Michael Billington in the Guardian : Zorro
“Lacklustre First Night ” by the Independent - aw, shame for them.
“a whale of a time” : West End Whingers
Zorro - West End run extended August 14, 2008
Posted by Linda in : dates, zorro , add a commentZorro took £255,000 in the first week of August! Not surprising then that the producers have extended its booking period until September 2009. The Bristol Evening Post says:
Star of the show Matt Rawle has described the action packed musical as “a family show”. He said: “There are loads of little lads sitting there with Zorro hats and Zorro masks on. Sitting there, not breathing, trying to take it all in. And they love it, they absolutely love it and they come round to the stage door.”
This sounds about right to me. The evening we saw it as we left there were lots of little boys quoting chunks of dialogue and sword fighting their way out of the theatre 
This makes Zorro the perfect entertainment for the whole family and ideal for family theatre breaks.
Cheap Theatre Tickets with Meal - Summer Offer August 7, 2008
Posted by Andy in : cheap theatre tickets, offers , add a commentGet Cheap Theatre Tickets with a Restaurant Meal
One way to get cheap theatre tickets is to buy a Dinner & Show package for up to £10 less than the face value of the Theatre Ticket!
Great shows such as Marguerite, Grease, The Sound Of Music, Spamalot, Zorro and many others are available, some with a choice of pre-theatre restaurants all in this fantastic summer Dinner and Show Offer for August 2008.
Add a Hotel Stay to your Cheap Theatre Tickets?
A smart meal out in London’s West End with cheap theatre tickets all included will make for a memorable evening out without breaking the bank and all that’s left to organise is a means of getting home afterwards if you’re coming from the London area. Of course you could always make a weekend of it and stay overnight. Try checking these latest top 10 London Hotel Offers
Six Characters In Search Of An Author transfers to the Gielgud August 4, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Plays, Six Characters In Search Of An Author, dates , add a commentPirandello’s Six Characters In Search Of An Author, will transfer from Chichester to the Gielgud Theatre. The play will preview from the September 10th for a limited run until November 8th.
Priandello Updated
Pirandello’s 1921 classic has been ‘re-imaged’ by Ben Power and Rupert Goold. The play has been updated and adapted for a modern audience. I’d really like to see this. This new production has been very well received at Chichester. It is a play I know well in its original form and have enjoyed in the past. I am sure it will be interesting to see what this team have made of it.
Six Characters in search of a film editor?
The play still tells the story of six strangers but now they arrive unannounced during the editing of a documentary film. As their chilling story unfolds it becomes clear that they are fictional characters and they want the film maker to make their story into a documentary. The play questions both fiction and reality and I can see how this could work well for our media-obsessed age.
The Chichester Cast
Ian McDiarmid
Noma Dumezweni
Jamie Bower
Eleanor David
Dyfan Dwyfor
Christine Entwisle
Denise Gough
Jake Harders
Jeremy Joyce
John Mackay
Freya Parker
Robin Pearce
Hairspray’s Michael Ball “I’m staying until next April” August 2, 2008
Posted by Linda in : Hairspray, news , add a comment
Hairspray star Michael Ball has gives really interesting interviews. I wrote about the one he did on Jonathan Ross a while ago (Michael Ball Gives Jonathan Ross Interview). Yesterday I read a new one that he’s done for The Scotsman. It’s an excellent read. He talks a bit about his personal life, including his relationship with Cathy McGowan (Yes, that one, Ready Steady Go etc!) . Usually he keeps very quiet about the personal stuff but this is a much more relaxed, happier Ball and he credits Hairspray with having done that for him:
I’m having a Ball - Michael Ball interview - The Scotsman
Ball is clear that a certain Mrs Turnblad transformed his career. If you were to ask what it takes to become a leading man in the West End you might be surprised to hear it involves high heels, a pair of 46EEE boobs and a wardrobe of frocks that would put the gaudiest drag queen to shame. But for Ball that’s what has worked. “When I was cast people said I wouldn’t pull it off and then when I did and I won the Olivier Award, I can’t tell you the satisfaction,” he says, still savouring the triumph. “Everyone says, ‘Oh, awards don’t matter.’ Rubbish! That one meant everything for me. It meant, ‘all right, you can be in our club.’ It was so satisfying. I took it into work the night after the ceremony and it appeared in every scene. When I burst out of the hairspray can at the end I was dusting it!
He says he used to have issues with his size and his self-image but he feels comfortable with himself these days. I suspect playing in a show like Hairspray and getting all those positive messages every night must have helped! He talks a bit about the past and the panic attacks that caused him to pull out of Les Miz when he was younger. That was a dark time for him and he was hardly able to leave his flat at the peak of it. He knows that he’s still vulnerable and says:
“I know the danger signs. And I know to talk about it,” he says. “Cathy knows the signs for me and she’s very clever at pulling me up and also knows when I just need a bit of stroking.”
The best news is that Michael Ball is staying in Hairspray till at least April! He says:
I don’t think it’s been announced yet, but I’m staying until next April. They’ve made me an offer I can’t refuse.
So book your Hairspray Theatre Break now and see one of the happiest men in one of the funniest shows in town!
