Finding Neverland ... Finding a theatre is the trick

[AnythingGoes23]

The show aims to come almost directly in if Leicester probes a hit. The trouble is all the medium sized houses are full, with lots of other shows in the wings.

The shows only option that currently is foreseeable is the Geilgud, but would require major redesigning I'm told.

Again, they are eagerly watching to see how shows like Top Hat, Singin in the Rain etc fare over the late Summer and Autumn

[Jonwo]

I reckon Singin' will be at the Palace through 2013, maybe the Shaftesbury or is it not big enough?

[Princeton Returns]

Its such an intimate story too big a theatre I cant help but think would ruin it. Unless of course the musical is very different from the film.

I really want this to do well, but with no 'names' I think a well located theatre would help.

[bob8rich]

Julian Ovendon is pretty much a "name". Apart from his fantastic musical theatre CV, he has a huge following from his TV roles. In fact he is the only reason I am interested in seeing this show as I was not a fan of the movie. I don't think I'm alone in regarding Ovendon's presence as a major draw to this show.

[ClapYo'Hands]

The Gielgud seems like a good option.

[keithp]

I agree that Ovendon is a terrific performer and a draw for people who read this board and a little bit wider but he really isn't a name in the sense that that a big percentage of the public would recognise him. He hasn't really done that much telly at all. He is probably known a little from Foyle's War.

[bob8rich]

I have friends who do not really know musical theatre at all but they know Julian Ovendon from his TV roles. I think he has a much bigger following than you realise - not just from Foyle's War (which has a HUGE fan-base in itself) but also The Royal and The Forsyte Saga. Plus he was seen on TV in the Sondheim 80th Birthday and Rodgers & Hammerstein Proms concerts - when he pretty much blew everyone away and (according to the BBC) viewers were so inspired by his Proms performances that they wrote to the BBC in their thousands, showering him with praise. It was that TV audience response that apparently clinched Ovendon his recording contract with Decca. His debut solo album has since been released and is selling very well.

[keithp]

His TV profile didn't do much to help Marguerite. I am sure he has a following but I still don't think he is a big commercial name albeit an enormously talented performer.

[bob8rich]

Nothing could have helped Margueritte - it was crap LOL