Wicked is the worldwide blockbuster “Big Musical” based on a story which is a ‘prequel’ to Wizard of OZ.
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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.
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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 Mead you should know he will be on holiday 28th July - 5th August 2008.
- 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)
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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)
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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)
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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.
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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.
New Wicked Cast but Without Desmond Barrit June 9, 2008
Posted by Linda in : cast changes, wicked , add a commentWicked the smash hit musical has new cast members from tonight, June 9th 2008. Alexia Khadime will play Elphaba, Desmond Barrit should be The Wizard (see below) and Jeremy Legat as Boq. Caroline Keiff will move from the ensemble into the role of Nessarose. Ashleigh Gray becomes the alternate Elphaba .
Desmond Barrit’s start as the Wizard is delayed
Barrit is recovering from a minor operation and Andy Mace will play the role of The Wizard tonight in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria, and for the near future. Barritt recently played Hector in the very successful National Theatre’s The History Boys He has lots of RSC experience behind him including Falstaff in Henry IV Parts I and II (Olivier nominated) and The Comedy of Errors (Olivier won). It’s not all Shakespearean, he has an extensive comic background and he played Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. I think he’ll make a fine Wizard and we’d like to wish him a speedy recovery.
Alexia Khadime as Elphaba
Alexia’s most recent West End role was as Nala in Disney’s The Lion King. She has also played in Whistle Down the Wind, Leader of the Pack and Cinderella: The Musical. Younger theatre-goers may remember her best from her Grange Hill days.
Of course she wasn’t green then…..
Jeremy Legat
Taking on the role of Wicked’s Boq is Jeremy Legat. His most recent screen appearance was in Filth - The Mary Whitehouse Story just last week on the BBC. Legat was in the Sam Mendes production of Oliver! at the London Palladium in 1996/7 so all of the I’d Do Anything furore must be bringing back memories for him. Boq’s a hard role to make an impression in so I wish him well. Let’s face it when your leading ladies are as strong as Glinda and Elphaba it’s hard to make an impact.
Other Current Wicked Cast Members
Glinda - Dianne Pilkington
Madame Morrible - Harriet Thorpe
Fiyero - Oliver Tompsett
Doctor Dillamond - Andy Mace’s standby, for now.
Standby for Glinda -Sarah Earnshaw
Kerry Ellis will be back in Wicked on the London stage
Monday 1 December 2008 - Kerry Ellis returns from Broadway to play Elphaba
Wicked - Harriet Thorpe chats about Wicked - Thursday 29th May May 27, 2008
Posted by Linda in : news, wicked , add a commentJust a quick post for all you Wicked fans.
Harriet Thorpe (Madame Morrible) is appearing on a new chat show on Thursday 29th of May. She will be chatting about Wicked and her impressive career. So if you like Wicked and Madame Morrible don’t miss it!
Suggs in the City (Ooh can that be who I think it is? Yep, it really is that Suggs. Unmissable then!)
ITV London - 11.10pm (Sky channel 993 if you’re outside London)
Thursday May 29th
Wicked Stars in the limelight April 28, 2008
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Wicked stars picture with Stephanie J Block and Annaleigh Ashford (New York cast)
Wicked cast changes - a new Elphaba April 1, 2008
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Alexia Khadime, who currently plays Nala in Disney’s The Lion King, will be painting herself green to play Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre) from June 7th to Nov. 29.
As well as The Lion King, Alexia has also been in productions of Whistle Down the Wind, Leader of the Pack and Cinderella: The Musical. Her screen credits include “Grange Hill,” “Cleopatra Comin’ Atcha” and “Dream Team.”
She will replace Kerry Ellis who is off to New York to play Elphaba at the Gershwin Theatre from June 17. Ellis be back in the London cast on Dec. 1.
Kerry is the first British actress to play Elphaba. Her previous credits include Fantine in Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre and Ellen in the national tour of Miss Saigon. She created the role of Meat in the London cast of We Will Rock You and has also been seen in productions of My Fair Lady and Merrily We Roll Along.
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Wicked extended January 27, 2008
Posted by admin in : apollo victoria, wicked , add a commentWicked (Apollo Victoria) is now booking until 4th April, 2009.
Wicked Victoria Apollo Theatre January 22, 2008
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Wicked is one of the most popular musicals in London theatre, still playing at the Victoria Apollo, one of the larger but also more modern venues. It’s a spectatcular show, with an elaborate set, outrageous costumes costumes, broomstick riding and flying monkeys, Some of the singing is very powerful too. The audience is mostly young and female, perhaps aspiring performers themselves which makes for a lively atmosphere in the Apollo which is near Victoria station, seperate from London’s main theatre area.
Wicked Victoria Apollo Theatre January 20, 2008
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Wicked - a world wide smash hit. January 3, 2008
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There are currently seven productions of musical worldwide and this week, together, they smashed box-office records by grossing $11.2 million worldwide for the week ending December 30, 2007.
The London production of Wicked opened on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Wicked is the untold story of the witches in the Wizard of Oz and sets out to explain why one became good and the other evil.
“Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. Wicked tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch,”
(Source- press notes).
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman and is staged by Wayne Cilento. The production is directed by Joe Mantello. The Grammy Award-winning original cast recording of Wicked, produced by Stephen Schwartz is a smash hit both here and in the US.
‘THE MOST INCREDIBLE MUSICAL I HAVE SEEN IN YEARS.
An unbelievable show with an amazing cast, amazing special effects and incredible costumes. Wicked takes your breath away.’
(Phillip Schofield, This Morning, ITV1)
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