How many West End musicals are opening this autumn (Fall)?
One?
Two?
Three?
Four?
Five?
Six?
Seven?
If you said any of the above, you're wrong.
London is fast approaching one of the most exciting seasons in recent musical theatre history. After the 'big three' two years ago – The Woman in White, The Producers and Mary Poppins – we now have a 'big eight', yes - eight new musical productions opening in the space of eight weeks. So what's the goss on them? Let's find out..
First up on September 21st is the long-awaited Daddy Cool. Of course, I say it will open on September 21st but if the almost constant wave of delays and set backs continue, it'll be some time next year when it finally decides to open. Based on the back catalogue of Boney M (yes, who?) and 'echoing' the Romeo and Juliet story, this is one musical that's had its fair share of column inches online and in the printed press. It stars pop star Harvey of the controversial band So Solid Crew (who are regularly accused of violent scandals), another pop star, Javine, a runner up in Pop Idol (the UK version of American Idol) and former soap star Michelle Collins, who has never appeared in a musical before though does have singing experience. Of all the autumn musicals it's going to have the toughest ride I expect; it's already discounting and must be quite a hard sell to musical theatre fans. However it does have a decent website, good posters and – admirably – cheap tickets for under 26 year olds.
Next, on September 27th is a little show called.. Wicked (no, I hadn't heard of it either..). Who are we kidding? Wicked looks set to be the show that sets the West End on fire. Its advance is extremely healthy, its buzz seemingly at fever pitch and its producers take very good care of the fans by regularly sending informative and insightful newsletters to their inboxes. It stars the Tony Award winner Idina Menzel, who created the role of Elphaba in the Broadway production, and an Australian actress called Helen Dallimore as Glinda. It's not gone for huge names; Nigel Planer as the Wizard and Miriam Margolyes as Madame Morrible might be recognisable but they're not A-Listers, but it doesn't particularly need them. On Broadway the show received mixed reviews, which I suspect could follow here, but its appeal is far reaching – it is a prequel to the Wizard of Oz. It's not yet evident how strong or significant the TV and magazine appearances will be, but when the producers are practically Disney-like in their execution, I suspect it will be unmissable..
