UK / West End Theatre + Broadway News

Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at Victoria Farley and Wendi Peters in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD - Opens in West End Tonight

(5/22/2012) The acclaimed London revival of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, staged to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth, opens tonight in the Westn End after a successful run at the Landor Theatre in south London.

Giant Olive Premieres THE HARD BOILED EGG AND THE WASP, Now thru June 10

(5/22/2012) A cast boasting a wealth of West End musical talent has been announced for The Hard Boiled Egg and the Wasp, an entirely original musical about the legendary English comedian Dan Leno written by actor, singer-writer and voiceover artist, Jonathan Kydd and Andy Street, one of the leading figures in British and American television music.

Wendi Peters-Led THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD Opens at The Arts Theatre Tonight, May 22

(5/22/2012) Following its run at the Landor Theatre, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, based on Dickens’ final unfinished novel, with book, music and lyrics by Rupert Holmes, directed by Matthew Gould, will get a 4-week season at the Arts Theatre, opening tonight, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. and running through Sunday 17 June.

Des O'Connor Stars as The Wizard in THE WIZARD OF OZ from Tonight, May 22

(5/22/2012) Following a staggering 1,200+ solo appearances at the London Palladium, Des O'Connor is set to star at the world renowned venue for the very first time in a stage musical. He takes over the iconic role of The Wizard in Andrew Lloyd Webber's reimagining of THE WIZARD OF OZ, presented by Bill Kenwright and The Really Useful Group, from tonight, 22 May to the show's final season, booking through 2 September.

Dawn French Set as Judge for Andrew Lloyd Webber's SUPERSTAR Series

(5/21/2012) As BroadwayWorld previously reported the judging panel for Andrew Lloyd Webber's upcoming SUPERSTAR television competition is shaping up, with Jason Donovan and former Spice Girl Mel C confirmed. Now according to STV, actress Dawn French will also be a judge on the show. On findning the right 'Jesus,' French revealed: '"I have actually been searching for him my whole life, and I can't believe that inside a few weeks we are going to find him. The fact that he is going to be a rock god is a massive bonus.'

Dominic McHugh to Sign LOVERLY: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MY FAIR LADY July 21 at Dress Circle

(5/21/2012) Dress Circle have announced that on Saturday 21st July 2012 from 12pm -1pm, they will be joined by Dominic McHugh to sign copies of his new book ‘Loverly: The Life and Times of My Fair Lady’ - a behind the scenes look at My Fair Lady.

curious directive, Les Enfants Terribles & More Set for Free Shows in Lyric Square This Summer

(5/21/2012) The Lyric Hammersmith is collaborating with Latitude festival, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival and Watford Palace Theatre to bring a series of spectacular outdoor performances to Lyric Square from the 12th of June to 5th of July, thanks to the generous support of HammersmithLondon.

Lisa Maxwell Joins Cast of CHICKEN for June 25 - July 21 Run, London

(5/21/2012) LISA MAXWELL has joined the cast of the West End premiere of CHICKEN, a dark and devilish comedy –which opens at the Trafalgar Studio 2 from Monday 25 June 2012.

Noel Coward's VOLCANO Receives Major National Tour Before West End; In Windsor, May 21

(5/21/2012) Thelma Holt and Bill Kenwright previously announced that their production of Noel Coward’s VOLCANO, starring Jenny Seagrove, Dawn Steele and Jason Durr, opens at Theatre Royal, Windsor tonight, 21 May. Tour dates are confirmed until August this year, with more to be announced.

Danny Boyle Backs Out of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE Musical; Julian Fellowes in the Wings?

(5/20/2012) According to The Independent, Danny Boyle has broken off negotiations to bring a Slumdog Millionaire musical adaptation to the West End. But his collaborator, TV producer Paul Smith, supposedly has Downton Abbey's creator Julian Fellowes in the wings.

BWW Reviews: SWAN LAKE ON ICE, Royal Albert Hall, May 18 2012

(5/20/2012) Swan Lake is a ballet about dance. Dance is how its characters – not just the performers who play them – communicate with each other: it is how the the beautiful Swan-Maiden Odette wins Prince Siegfried's heart, and it is how Odile, daughter of the evil Count Von Rothbart, seduces him.

WE ONLY DO IT TO GET GIRLS, Featuring Songs By Sterling and Orton, at the Freedom Bar, Soho, June 3

(5/19/2012) The next of the monthly Gigging For It cabarets at Freedom, Soho, on June 3, features the brand new original songs of Joe Sterling and Christopher J. Orton.

Photo Flash: First Look at SMASH's Raza Jaffrey as CHICAGO'S 'Billy Flynn'

(5/18/2012) Life is imitating art for leading man Raza Jaffrey, as CHICAGO producer, Barry Weissler spotted him in the new Steven Spielberg TV series Smash, and immediately offered him the role of Billy Flynn in the West End production of the musical. He just began his run in CHICAGO at the Garrick Theatre and will continue through July 14, playing the role between David Bedella, and Olympian Robin Cousins, who joins on 17 July.

STAGE TUBE: Andrew Lloyd Webber on SUPERSTAR's Judges, Contestants, and More!

(5/18/2012) Theatre legend Andrew Lloyd Webber recently sat down with Sky News to chat about his SUPERSTAR search for a 'Jesus' to lead the upcoming JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR UK arena tour. While he was there, Lloyd Webber touched on the judges that will sit by his side, bringing new technology to the show, and what he'll be looking for in the contestants. Check out the full interview by clicking below!

Photo Flash: Inside Opening Night of THE SUNSHINE BOYS!

(5/18/2012) Thea Sharrock’s production of SUNSHINE BOYS continues at the Savoy Theatre for a strictly limited run until 28 July 2012, having opened last night, May 17. The Sunshine Boys is designed by Hildegard Bechtler with lighting by Neil Austin, music by Adrian Johnston and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph. Joining Danny DeVito and Richard Griffiths as the ageing vaudevillian team Willie Clark and Al Lewis in Neil Simon’s award-winning comedy The Sunshine Boys are Rebecca Blackstone (Miss Mackintosh), Nick Blakeley (Eddie), Peter Cadden (Voice of TV Director), Johnnie Fiori (Registered Nurse), Adam Levy (Ben Silverman) and William Maxwell (Patient). Check out photos from opening night below!

TV: Andrew Lloyd Webber & Gary Barlow's Official Diamond Jubilee Song Video with Gareth Malone & Prince Harry

(5/18/2012) Decca Records today announced "Sing", the Official Diamond Jubilee song co-written by Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber, two of the UK’s greatest living songwriters. Check out the offical music video below, featuring Gary Barlow as well as Gareth Malone and the Military Wives Choir, the African Children's Choir, and Prince Harry on tamborine, making his recording debut.

Review Roundup: Danny DeVito in THE SUNSHINE BOYS - All The Reviews

(5/18/2012) Thea Sharrock’s production of THE SUNSHINE BOYS starring Danny DeVito and Richard Griffiths opened last night, 17 May, at Savoy Theatre. BroadwayWorld has gathered all of the reviews below - updating live as they come in.

Michael Morpurgo's PRIVATE PEACEFUL to Play Theatre Royal Haymarket 18-29 September

(5/18/2012) Tickets go on sale today, Friday 18 May, for award-winning children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful which plays for a strictly limited 16 performances only at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 18 – 29 September 2012. Directed and adapted for the stage by Simon Reade, Private Peaceful has designs by Bill Talbot and sound by Jason Barnes. Casting will be announced shortly. The National Theatre’s One Man, Two Guvnors will continue its run at the Haymarket from 1 October after this two-week break.

RAGTIME and MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Play at Regent's Park, Now thru Sep 8

(5/18/2012) The 2012 season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre includes productions of RAGTIME and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. Playing in repertory from tonight, 18 May through 8 September 2012, Timothy Sheader directs RAGTIME, a contemporary musical based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow; Olivier Award nominated Javier De Frutos is choreographing.

Mike Leigh's ABIGAIL'S PARTY, Starring Jill Halfpenny Opens Tonight at Wyndham's Theatre, May 18

(5/18/2012) Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Chocolate Factory Productions open Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party at Wyndham’s Theatre tonight, May 18.

Wendi Peters-Led THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD Transfers to The Arts Theatre from Tonight, May 18

(5/18/2012) Following its run at the Landor Theatre, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, based on Dickens’ final unfinished novel, with book, music and lyrics by Rupert Holmes, directed by Matthew Gould, gets a 4-week season at the Arts Theatre from tonight, Friday 18 May - Sunday 17 June. The opening night is on Tuesday 22 May at 7.30pm.

Will Young to Star in West End Revival of CABARET

(5/17/2012) According to a report by The Daily Mail, Pop Idol star Will Young has been cast in the West End revival of Cabaret, directed by Rufus Norris.

Michael Xavier, Jenna Russell et al. to Star in SOHO CINDERS World Premiere at Soho Theatre, Aug 2

(5/17/2012) Following the sold-out concert performance of Soho Cinders at the Queen’s Theatre in October 2011, Stiles & Drewe’s new musical will receive its world premiere at Soho Theatre running from 2nd August to 9th September 2012. The full-scale production with a live band will feature an all-star cast including Jenna Russell and Michael Xavier, and featuring the voice of Stephen Fry.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN Set for Edfringe

(5/17/2012) The record-breaking West End show Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain is charging up to the Pleasance Courtyard for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer. This special Edinburgh production introduces William Wallace and Burke and Hare into the horrible history of Britain and will run from 3rd – 26th August 2012.

Jeremy Herrin Directs CHILDREN’S CHILDREN, Opening Tonight, May 17

(5/17/2012) Jeremy Herrin directs the World Premiere of Matthew Dunster’s Children’s Children running at the Almeida from tonight, 17 May – 30 June 2012. Designs are by Robert Innes Hopkins with lighting by Neil Austin and sound by Ian Dickinson.

Ruth Gemmell Joins the Cast of Harold Pinter’s BETRAYAL, Now thru June 9

(5/17/2012) Ruth Gemmell (Fever Pitch, Deborah Dean EastEnders) joins the cast of Harold Pinter’s masterpiece Betrayal on the Crucible stage from tonight 17 May until Saturday 9 June.

Andrew Lloyd Webber to Receive BASCA Fellowship at The Ivor Novello Awards Tonight, May 17

(5/17/2012) Andrew Lloyd Webber will receive a BASCA Fellowship at this year’s Ivor Novello Awards tonight 17 May. The BASCA Fellowship is the highest accolade which a composer can receive, bestowed by composers in the UK. It recognises unique creative talent in music writing together with iconic achievement for and on behalf of composers. BASCA Fellows are exceptional artists and ambassadors for the song-writing and composing profession and BASCA’s role within it.

Perfect Pitch to Release LIFT Concept Album Feat. Jennifer Tierney et al., May 31

(5/16/2012) Perfect Pitch will be releasing a concept album of LIFT, a new British musical by Craig Adams and Ian Watson. This recording, which will be available to buy from Thursday May 31st, features West End names including Louise Dearman, Michael Xavier, Jennifer Tierney, Paul Ayres, Julie Atherton and Jack Shalloo.

Freddie Mercury Hologram Coming to West End's WE WILL ROCK YOU

(5/16/2012) According to the BBC, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury will be making a return to the stage the West End production of WE WILL ROCK YOU- via hologram. Mercury, who passed away in 1991, will appear in an optical illusion for the show's upcoming 10th anniversary. Queen's Brian May told the BBC that the hologram "is something we've looked at ourselves but I think probably for a show that runs eight shows a week it's not really quite practical."

Confirmed: Julian Ovenden-Led FINDING NEVERLAND to Premiere at UK's Curve Theatre, Sept. 21 - Oct. 18

(5/16/2012) As previously reported, Julian Ovenden will star in a new musical version of the film Finding Neverland, which starred Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet and followed the the story of J.M. Barrie's inspiration for his famous children's book, Peter Pan.

STAGE TUBE: Colm Wilkinson On the LES MISERABLES Film Set!

(5/16/2012) Filming for the upcoming Les Miserables movie is well underway, and new footage of the show's original Valjean, Colm Wilkinson - who is playing the Bishop in this film incarnation - has just surfaced! Click below to hear from Wilkinson on set!

Frantic Assembly & NTS to Revive BEAUTIFUL BURNOUT for Tour of Wales and England this Autumn

(5/16/2012) This autumn, Frantic Assembly and the National Theatre of Scotland will revive their hugely successful production of Beautiful Burnout by Bryony Lavery - a thrilling piece of highly physical theatre that immerses the audience in the explosive world of boxing. Beautiful Burnout’s UK tour will begin at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth on Wednesday 3 October 2012, and continue to Warwick, London, Cardiff, Dundee, Leeds, Newcastle, Southampton and Hull.

STAGE TUBE: Wendi Peters Sings 'The Wages of Sin' from EDWIN DROOD

(5/16/2012) Footage has been released this afternoon of Wendi Peters singing THE WAGES OF SIN from the West End revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood that starts previews this Friday May 18, ahead of the opening night on Tuesday May 22.

UK Arena Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR to Star Tim Minchin, Mel C & Chris Moyles

(5/16/2012) The Really Useful Group and AEG Live today announced the first ever UK arena tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar. Award-winning musical comedian Tim Minchin - also the co-writer of West End smash musical Matilda - is confirmed for the role of 'Judas Iscariot'. Three million album selling pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C will take the only female lead as 'Mary Magdalene', and BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show host Chris Moyles will make his major stage debut as 'King Herod', in what is set to be one of the biggest and most impressive arena tours to hit the UK.

Steven Berkoff Premieres 6 ACTORS IN SEARCH OF A DIRECTOR, Now thru June 23

(5/16/2012) Steven Berkoff is to direct the World Premiere of his latest play, 6 Actors in Search of a Director, a comedy set on a movie location set, for a West End season at Charing Cross Theatre from tonight 16th May - Saturday 23rd June. Six actors are on a movie set waiting for their call. Until then they are in limbo needing the director to bring them to life. He does this merely by using the one magic word - “Action!”

SMASH Star Raza Jaffrey Joins West End's CHICAGO, Now thru July 14

(5/16/2012) Life is imitating art for leading man Raza Jaffrey, as CHICAGO producer, Barry Weissler spotted him in the new Steven Spielberg TV series Smash, and immediately offered him the role of Billy Flynn in the West End production of the musical. He stars in CHICAGO at the Garrick Theatre from tonight, 16 May to 14 July, playing the role between present Billy, David Bedella, who left the cast on 12 May, and Olympian Robin Cousins, who joins on 17 July.

Anthony Rapp's WITHOUT YOU Gets Menier Chocolate Factory Production this August

(5/15/2012) In 1994 Anthony Rapp was working at a Starbucks and about to audition for Rent a new musical by a young guy named Jonathan Larson. An inspiring story about friends and artists struggling in New York’s Lower East Side, it was based loosely on Puccini’s La Bohème. Anthony got the part, but Jonathan died suddenly the night before the musical’s off-Broadway premiere.

ABIGAIL'S PARTY Starring Jill Halfpenny Transfers to Wyndham's Theatre from Tonight, May 15

(5/15/2012) Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Chocolate Factory Productions previously announced the transfer of Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party to Wyndham’s Theatre from tonight, 15th May.

Nina Conti Presents New Material at Menier Chocolate Factory, Now thru May 19

(5/15/2012) Following a sold out run in 2011, the Menier Chocolate Factory welcomes back groundbreaking ventriloquist Nina Conti, working on brand new material for her new show for 5 performances only, from tonight 15th – Saturday 19th May. This material will form the basis of Nina's new show, Dolly Mixtures at the Pleasance Dome 1st - 27th August as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

John Addison Joins Cast of The Landor Theatre's THE THING ABOUT MEN, Now thru June 9

(5/15/2012) John Addison was previously announced to play Sebastian and complete the cast for the London revival of The Thing About Men, due to open at The Landor Theatre tonight, 15th May 2012 for a strictly limited four week run. Theatrica Ltd have not been able to announce John until now, due to his placement and filming schedule for the latest ITV series, Superstar; dedicated to helping Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber find his next title role in Jesus Christ Superstar.