TV stars + West End Musicals= Hits? February 17, 2008
Posted by admin in : news , trackbackLondon box-office revenue hit a record high last year. Attendance at musicals shot up 19%. One of the main reasons seems to be the success of TV tie-in revivals “The Sound of Music” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Andrew Lloyd Webber was heavily involved in both. He cast the leads of both from reality-TV shows. In both cases the public watched and voted in their millions and, it seems, a whole new audience got the musicals bug. Others are trying to replicate Webber’s success, casting reality ’stars’ in major parts. Spamalot (Nina) and Gone With the Wind (Darious) to name but two.
Many trained actors and actresses are missing out on major roles which must be frustrating for them. One wonders how untrained actors however talented can cope with the rigours of twice daily performances. To be honest, many of them don’t and several performances a week are covered by understudies. These ‘understudies’ may not boast the ‘big’ name but they often give just as fine (occasionally better!) performance. The latest ploy turns the transfer from TV to the stage slightly on its head with an actress transferring from Holyoaks to the stage, having already been cast as Maria in the Sound of Music.
Although the increased sales on the West End are welcome there’s a general feeling that this can’t be sustained over time. The public will surely tire of the formula and TV will move on to the next thing. Still some people believe the increase in ‘bums on seats’ in the West End is partially due to first-time theatre-goers who came to see reality television stars in “Joseph” and “The Sound of Music” and then returned later in the year to see another musical. Having seen one spectacular they’ve booked again to see something like “Hairspray” or “Wicked”. Now if that’s true it really is a hopeful sign for musical theatre. It might just be that once you can get people to see one good show you may turn them into life long theatre fans. Let’s hope so 
‘One wonders how untrained actors however talented can cope with the rigours of twice daily performances. To be honest, many of them don’t and several performances a week are covered by understudies.’ I hope you are not referring to Lee Mead as he is not an untrained actor and he performs in every show each week - having started your article mentioning Andrew Lloyd Webber’s shows readers might get the wrong impression.
Also it should be noted that the ‘reality TV show’ that Darius came from was one which was all about live performance anyway. It’s not as if they are plucking anybody out of Big Brother who is just temporarily famous for being famous.
Hi both, me and my big mouth
Argh, I didn’t mean Lee Mead, the guy’s a trooper! As for Darius,I know he’s already proved his West End credentials. I wasn’t trying to pick out any individuals, well, maybe the odd female plucked from obscurity.
I certainly didn’t mean to imply that the people from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s productions weren’t up to it.
I just think if this trend carries on and less scrupulous people pick up on it the standard could drop.
(BTW Lee Mead does take some time off -
LEE MEAD WILL BE ON HOLIDAY AND THEREFORE NOT PERFORMING DURING THE FOLLOWING PERIODS: 14-26 JANUARY, 10-15 MARCH, 5-10 MAY 2008. AT THESE PERFORMANCES THE ROLE OF Joseph WILL BE PLAYED BY LEWIS BRADLEY.
LEE WILL NOT BE PLAYING Joseph ON WEDNESDAY 25TH THROUGH FRIDAY 27TH JUNE AND WILL BE ON HOLIDAY 28 JULY - 5 AUGUST AND FOR THESE PERFORMANCES THE ROLE OF Joseph IS TO BE CONFIRMED.)
Thanks for your speedy clarification - and yes even the best troopers need a few days off now and then. Very glad you have now been more specific.
even the best troopers need a few days off now and then
Very true - I’m not a total slave driver