Jamie Wilson, Mark Goucher, Gavin Kalin and Kevin McCollum are delighted to present the spectacular new Made at Curve production of Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS at London’s Dominion Theatre from Friday 15 November 2019 – Saturday 4 January 2020, with a press night on Monday 25 November 2019. Tickets on sale Monday 25 March 2019 at 10.00am.
Photography from the original Curve 2018 production by Catherine Ashmore and Ellie Kurttz
This feel-good family musical will star Danny Mac as Bob Wallace and Dan Burton as Phil Davis, who both reprise their acclaimed roles following the successful run at Curve, Leicester. Further casting will be announced soon.
Photography from the original Curve 2018 production by Catherine Ashmore and Ellie Kurttz
Danny Mac’s many theatre credits include Joe Gillis in the recent tour of Sunset Boulevard, Gabey in On The Town at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and the West End productions of Wicked and Legally Blonde. He captured the nation’s hearts and received overwhelming support during his incredible time on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, making it all the way to the final.
Photography from the original Curve 2018 production by Catherine Ashmore and Ellie Kurttz
Dan Burton was nominated for an Olivier for his performance as Tulsa in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre. His other West End credits include Jersey Boys, The Pajama Game, Chicago, Legally Blonde, Betty Blue Eyes and Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall.
A timeless romantic comedy to warm hearts of all ages, WHITE CHRISTMAS features the classic songs “Blue Skies”, “Sisters” and the most famous festive song of all… “White Christmas”.
Photography from the original Curve 2018 production by Catherine Ashmore and Ellie Kurttz
WHITE CHRISTMAS has Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin and a Book by David Ives and Paul Blake. It is Directed by Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster (Annie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and Choreographed by two-time Olivier Award-winning choreographer Stephen Mear (Mary Poppins, Gypsy). Set Design is by Michael Taylor and Costume Design is by Diego Pitarch. Musical Supervision is by Stephen Brooker, Lighting Design by Mark Henderson and Sound Design by Tom Marshall. Orchestrations are by Larry Blank with New Musical arrangements by Jason Carr.
Presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of R&H Theatricals.
Mark Goucher and first-time producer Jason Donovan have announced that their brand-new production of the much-loved glittering hit musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical will extend its UK tour dates through to 2020. The show, which was announced last year, and will star Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden, will tour the UK and Ireland from September 2019. It marks Donovan’s first time as a producer, having performed in the cast of the original West End production and two subsequent UK tours. The producing team is completed by Gavin Kalin and Matthew Gale. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical will preview in Dartford from 5 September 2019.
Joe McFadden (Tick/Mitzi), Nick Hayes (Adam/Felicia) and Miles Western (Bernadette). Photo credit Darren Bell
Full casting for the production has also been announced. Previously announced Joe McFadden will play Tick/Mitzi, Laurence Olivier Award Winner Miles Western will take on the role as Bernadette and Nick Hayes will play Adam/Felicia. They are joined by Daniel Fletcher (Bob), Miranda Wilford (Marion), Kevin Yates (Miss Understanding), Jacqui Sanchez (Cynthia). The Divas will be played by Nikki Bentley, Claudia Kariuki, Rosie Glossop and the cast is completed by Jak Allen-Anderson, Natalie Chua, Emma Crossley, Jordan Cunningham, Martin Harding, Justin-Lee Jones, Nell Martin and Edwin Ray.
The iconic hit musical has more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more.
Based on the Oscar-winning film, PRISCILLA is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.
This brand new production comes from the team behind the critically acclaimed UK tours of Hairspray; with direction by Paul Kerryson, choreography by Tom Jackson-Greaves with designs by Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith, musical supervision by Stephen ‘Spud’ Murphy, musical direction from Sean Green, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Ben Harrison. Casting by David Grindrod Associates.
A new musical based on Oscar Wilde’s classic fairy tale will be presented in three showcase performances at The Place from 3 – 4 May 2019. The Happy Prince stars Janie Dee as Mrs Bentley, Phil Daniels as The Mayor, Sophia Hurdley as The Swallow and Sam Archer as The Prince. This heart-rending story about a Swallow’s faithful love for the golden statue of a Prince is told through a seamless fusion of dance and song.
The rest of the cast includes David Burt, Louis Gaunt, Sammy Graham, Jessica Pardoe, Edwin Ray, Ronald Samm, Cilla Silvia, Gemma Wardle and Alfie Wickham.
The Happy Prince
Hal Cazalet said: “The Happy Prince is a fairy tale for today and as Oscar Wilde intended, for both adults and children alike. I can’t help but feel that the Wildean themes of greed and corruption set against the redeeming power of love and sacrifice are every bit as relevant and urgent in our present world, as when Wilde wrote the story in 1888.”
This modern musical adaptation is set in an unpleasant 1920’s Laundry House from which the potent technicolour world of the fairy tale evolves. Dark humour, greed and corruption are at work as the malevolent designs of a despot Mayor drive a town into bankruptcy and ruin. Drawing parallels to the world today, walls are being built to divide societies, so the Statue of a Prince, trapped behind the walls of his own palace, must win over the heart of a Swallow to save his people.
Although outwardly beautiful, the omniscient Prince is troubled by the poverty and suffering surrounding him. He persuades the Swallow to become his messenger and distribute his treasures to the townspeople who are most in need. In a race against time, and as the Swallow gradually removes his sapphire eyes and his gold leaf, outwardly the statue looks dull and shabby but the Prince is inwardly renewed and freed of his torment.
The creative team includes Hal Cazalet (Direction, Music and Lyrics), Michael Barry (Book and Movement Director), David Howe (Lighting), Sophia Hurdley (Choreography) and Sam Archer (Choreography). The original workshop for the production was developed alongside Maria Friedman and Drew McOnie.
Tickets are £30 concession rate £20 for full-time students, under 18’s, senior citizens, the unwaged, members of Equity and BECTU. They are also offering a discounted rate for those with access needs and a complimentary +1 for essential companions.
The original production of Les Miserables is set to close in July to be replaced with the 25th anniversary production,
It’s official! You only have until 13 July 2019 to get to the Queen’s Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue to see the original production of Les Misérables. So does this mean the show could lose its longest-running West End musical title?
The Original London production of Les Misérables will close at the Queen’s Theatre on 13 July 2019. The theatre will spend four months being rebuilt both backstage and in the auditorium as well as adding many much-needed new lavatories to the front of house. This work will restore architect W.G. Sprague’s original boxes and loges which, along with the entire front of house, were destroyed by a bomb in 1940 and caused the theatre to be closed for 20 years.
The restored Queen’s Theatre will reopen in December of 2019 with the new production of Les Misérables, continuing its phenomenal run indefinitely. The acclaimed new production was created for the show’s 25th Anniversary in the UK in 2009 and has gone on to enjoy huge success around the world all over again, including returning to Broadway. A brilliant company is now being put together and bookings will open in February.
While the Queen’s Theatre is being restored, Les Misérables will continue in performance on Shaftesbury Avenue with exciting plans being announced shortly for a four-month season at the Gielgud Theatre from the end of July 2019.
The interesting part of this announcement is whether the Gielgud Theatre season will commence straight after the closure of the original production to maintain the run or whether because it will be a new production it will not be able to retain the title. Phantom of the Opera is currently in second place having opened the year after Les Misérables in 1986 and currently holds the record for longest-running Broadway musical.
More will be known about the Gielgud Theatre season and the classification with future announcements.
It’s our first ever “Everything Changes” feature! This is the weekly feature that keeps you informed of shows that are opening and closing in the UK theatre scene and yes, it’s a reference to Waitress (which is opening in the West End this February!).
Coming Clean opens at Trafalgar Studios 2 on 9th January.
Location: Trafalgar Studios 2
Dates: 9th Jan to 2nd Feb 2019
Cast: Lee Knight (Tony), Stanton Plummer-Cambridge (Greg), Tom Lambert (Robert) & Elliot Hadley (William/Jurgen)
Creatives: Kevin Elyot (Author), King’s Head Theatre (Producer), Making Productions Limited (Producer), RGM Productions (Producer), Adam Spreadbury-Maher (Director), Nic Farman (Lighting) & Amanda Mascarenhas (Design)
Following a critically acclaimed run at the London’s King’s Head Theatre, the producers behind the Olivier nominated La Boheme transfer the smash-hit, sell-out play by Kevin Elyot, writer of the landmark drama My Night With Reg, transfers to Trafalgar Studios 2 this January.
Tony and Greg seem to have love all figured out. They’re in a committed relationship but with room for a little more on the side whenever it takes their fancy. The only rule? Never sleep with the same man twice.
When drop-dead gorgeous Robert walks into their lives, the fragile foundations of their sexual contract are thrown into jeopardy.
Funny, fresh and packed with razor-sharp wit, Coming Clean questions the nature of fidelity and the limits of love.
Songs for Nobodies – Ambassadors Theatre (from 9th Jan)
Songs for Nobodies transfers to the West End on 9th Jan
Location: Ambassadors Theatre
Dates: 9th Jan to 23rd Feb 2019
Cast: Bernadette Robinson
Creatives: Joanna Murray-Smith (Author) & Simon Phillips (Director)
After a stunning run at Wilton’s Music Hall, and after overwhelming demand, Songs for Nobodies is transferring to the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre for a strictly limited run starting 9 January. This one woman show is unlike anything you’ve seen before.
For 90 minutes, accompanied only by live musicians, Bernadette Robinson singlehandedly tells the tales of five everyday women whose lives are changed when they briefly encounter fame and the legendary singers who had such an impact on them. Bringing to life powerhouse voices across vastly different genres of music, Bernadette Robinson has a versatility that is truly astonishing. Watch as she brings Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday and Maria Callas to life as you listen.
Bernadette Robinson’s talent is nearly unbelievable so don’t miss your chance to see it for yourself.
Violet – Charing Cross Theatre (from 12th Jan)
Violet opens at Charing Cross Theatre on 12th Jan
Location: Charing Cross Theatre
Dates: 12th Jan to 6th Apr 2019
Cast: Kaisa Hammarlund (Violet), Matthew Harve (Monty), Jay Marsh (Flick), Simbi Akande, Angelica Allen, Kenneth Avery-Clark, Keiron Crook, James Gant, Danny Michaels, Janet Mooney, Amy Mepham, Rebecca Nardin & Madeleine Sellman (Young Violet)
Creatives: Jeanine Tesori (Music), Brian Crawley (Book & Lyrics), Steven M Levy (Producer), Vaughan Williams (for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Ltd) (Producer), Umeda Arts Theater Co Ltd (Osaka Japan) (Producer), Shuntaro Fujita (Director), Cressida Carre (Choreographer), Morgan Large (Design), Jonathan Lipman (Costume), Howard Hudson (Lighting), Andrew Johnson (Sound) & Dan Jackson (Musical Director)
1964. Somewhere between North Carolina and Oklahoma, we find Violet, a young woman who was facially disfigured as a child. She hopes her life savings will bring her a miracle halfway across the country. Reflecting on her childhood, and shaped by the reactions of the people she encounters, Violet embarks on a life-changing personal journey.
Based on The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts.
Another Opening Of Another Show
The War of The Worlds (The New Diorama Theatre, 8 Jan to 9 Feb)
Anomaly (Old Red Lion, 8 Jan to 2 Feb)
Franz Kafka – Apparatus (White Bear, 8 to 26 Jan)
In Lipstick (Pleasance, 8 to 27 Jan)
In Conversation with Graham Norton (The Hope Theatre, 8 to 26 Jan)
Two of a Kind (Bread and Roses, 8 to 12 Jan)
Salt (Theatre503, 9 to 10 Jan)
Rosenbaum’s Rescue (Park Theatre, 9 Jan)
Approaching Empty (The Kiln, 9 Jan to 2 Feb)
Stop and Search (Arcola, 9 Jan to 9 Feb)
Outlying Islands (The King’s Head Theatre, 9 Jan to 2 Feb)
Original Death Rabbit (Jermyn Street Theatre, 9 Jan to 9 Feb)
Valhalla (White Bear, 9 Jan to 10 Jan)
The Daughter-In-Law (Arcola, 10 Jan to 2 Feb)
Olivier de Sagazan – Transfiguration (The Lilian Baylis Theatre, 10 to 11 Jan)
The Murder Express (Pedley Street Station, 11 Jan to 31 Mar)
Gone (Theatre503, 11 to 13 Jan)
Snow Baby (Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 12 Jan)
Murder, She Didn’t Write (Leicester Square Theatre, 13 Jan to 19 May)
Extra Virgin (Above the Stag Theatre, 13 Jan to 10 Feb)
I’m Sorry But… (Bread and Roses, 13 to 14 Jan)
Waiting for Curry (The King’s Head Theatre, 13 to 14 Jan)
Happy Trails!
Kinky Boots, Dreamgirls & The Band are a few of the shows that are closing this week.
8 Jan
Cuttings (Theatre503)
9 Jan
The Tell-Tale Heart (Dorfman Theatre (National Theatre))
10 Jan
Salt (Theatre503)
Valhalla (White Bear)
11 Jan
Olivier de Sagazan – Transfiguration (The Lilian Baylis Theatre)
Mother Goose Cracks One Out! (Above the Stag Theatre)
Snow Baby (Half Moon Young People’s Theatre)
The Band (Theatre Royal Haymarket)
The Hound of the Baskervilles (Drayton Arms Theatre)
Two of a Kind (Bread and Roses)
Uncle Vanya (Hampstead Theatre)
13 Jan
Gone (Theatre503)
Murder For Two (The Other Palace)
Room on the Broom (Lyric)
Sherlock Homeless – The Anatomy of Rubbish (Barons Court Theatre)
Snow White at The London Palladium (London Palladium)
Swan Lake (London Coliseum)
It is going to be a crazy week with a lot of long-running shows leaving the West End this weekend. With last weekend’s closings of Bat Out Of Hell, Chicago and 42nd Street, followed by this weekend’s closings of A Christmas Carol, Dreamgirls, Kinky Boots, The Band and Snow White…well, the West End is going to look a lot different!
This will also mean that the West End will start to see signs of new shows arriving with new marquees for shows such as Come From Away at the Phoenix, 9 to 5 at the Savoy, Six at the Arts, Waitress at the Adelphi and Only Foolsand Horses at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
