Delfont Mackintosh Theatres - News Headlines

A HUGE CAST CHANGE FOR MAMMA MIA! AT THE NOVELLO THEATRE FROM MONDAY 10 JUNE 2013

Tue, 30 April 2013 16:00:00 GMT

With 24 of the 33 cast members changing on Monday 10 June 2013 at the Novello Theatre, this represents the largest cast change the London production of the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! has seen since it first opened at in 1999.

Dianne Pilkington will lead the cast as Donna Sheridan. Her recent West End credits include Master Class at the Vaudeville Theatre, The 39 Steps at the Criterion, and as Glinda in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria for three years. She played Amalia in the Chichester Festival Theatre production of She Loves Me. She also appeared in the Tom Hooper film of Les Miserables.

Also joining the cast from 10 June are Jane Milligan as Rosie, Richard Trinder as Sam, Emma Crossley as Sophie Sheridan, Oliver Tilney as Sky, Jessica Daley as Ali, Stephanie Clift as Lisa, Dickie Wood as Pepper and Dan Krikler as Eddie. Kim Ismay will continue as Tanya, and Neil Roberts as Harry Bright and James Gaddas as Bill Austin. At certain performances, the role of Donna Sheridan will continue to be played by Claire Poyzer.

MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre on 3 June 2004. The musical re-opened at the Novello Theatre on 6 September 2012 and celebrated its third London home with a Gala on 12 September in aid of BBC Children In Need. The show also had the highest ever weekly gross taken in the history of the Novello Theatre (formerly the Strand), for the week ending 3 November 2012, and recently celebrated its 14th birthday in London.

BARKING IN ESSEX CAST ANNOUNCED

Fri, 22 March 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Barking In Essex is a riotously funny new comedy with an all-star cast.

Welcome to the criminal blunder-world!

Freedom finally beckons for lowlife con man Algie Packer. He's done seven years inside and now he's coming home to spend his carefully stashed cash - £3.5 million in untraceable notes. But there's something Algie's family has forgotten to mention...

Meet the Packers - just your perfectly average, totally dysfunctional, 'well-dodgy' Essex crime family with a BIG problem. Are they going to be able to cover their tracks before Algie arrives home? Maybe it's time to go on the run...

Catch Lee Evans, Sheila Hancock, Keeley Hawes, Karl Johnson and Montserrat Lombard before the police do in the world premiere of this uproariously funny play. This sensational cast make Barking in Essex the MUST-SEE theatre event of 2013.

Clive Exton's writing credits include the highly-acclaimed film 10 Rillington Place, Poirot and Jeeves and Wooster.

WARNING! This play contains strong language.

STRICTLY LIMITED WEST END RUN

Director: Harry Burton
Design: Simon Higlett
Lighting: James Farncombe
Sound: Gareth Owen
Casting: Anne Vosser
Produced by: MJE Productions and James Quaife

CAST CHANGES ANNOUNCED FOR THE AUDIENCE

Thur, 28 February 2013 18:00:00 GMT

It is with great regret that the Producers of The Audience have accepted Robert Hardy's decision to withdraw from the production. Hardy, 87, recently suffered a fall and cracked some ribs, yet continued to perform at all of the preview performances last week. Over the weekend he has decided that a schedule of eight performances a week over a long run is not sustainable and he has therefore reluctantly decided to stand down. The Producers would like to thank Robert Hardy for his extraordinary contribution to the production and they wish him a speedy recovery.

The director Stephen Daldry said "Robert is one of theatre's great actors and for him to have accepted this challenge at his age speaks of his courage and commitment to the theatre. That he feels unable to continue is a great sadness to us all but we respect his decision and wish him a return to full health and strength very soon."

After Robert Hardy's sad withdrawal, the role of Winston Churchill in Peter Morgan's new play will now be played by Edward Fox.

The Audience Director Stephen Daldry said: "We are incredibly fortunate that at very short notice Edward Fox has kindly agreed to step in. We are particularly lucky to find an actor of such stature and great authority to play Winston Churchill and we are delighted to welcome Edward to the Company."

Edward Fox, famed for his consummate performance as Edward VIII in Thames Television's Edward and Mrs Simpson, has had a long and distinguished career on screen and stage. He won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor in Joseph Losey's The Go Between and was "The Jackal" in Day of the Jackal directed by Fred Zinnemann. His many other film credits include A Bridge Too Far (for which he was also awarded a BAFTA), The Duellists, The Shooting Party, Ghandi, The Dresser and The Importance of Being Ernest. His theatre credits include Knuckle (David Hare's first play to appear in the West End), The Family Reunion at the Vaudeville, A Letter of Resignation in which his performance as Harold Macmillan drew widespread acclaim, Lloyd George Knew My Father, the idiosyncratic Earl in the 1999 revival of William Douglas Home's The Chiltern Hundreds, The Old Masters (written by Simon Gray directed by Harold Pinter), Four Quartets, Legal Fictions at the Savoy and Trollope in Barsetshire at the Riverside Studios. His other television credits include Daniel Deronda, Oliver Twist and Hard Times. In 2003 Edward Fox was awarded an OBE.

Joining Helen Mirren who plays The Queen in the world premiere of Peter Morgan's The Audience are Michael Elwyn as Anthony Eden, Haydn Gwynne as Margaret Thatcher, Richard McCabe as Harold Wilson, Nathaniel Parker as Gordon Brown, Paul Ritter as John Major and Rufus Wright as David Cameron. The Equerry is Geoffrey Beevers and the role of Young Elizabeth is played by Bebe Cave, Maya Gerber and Nell Williams. David Peart plays James Callaghan who is joined by ensemble members Jonathan Coote, Ian Houghton and Charlotte Moore.

The Audience began previewing at the Gielgud Theatre on 15 February 2013, with press night on 5 March 2013 and is booking to 15 June 2013. Designs are by Bob Crowley with lighting by Rick Fisher, sound by Paul Arditti, music by Paul Englishby and video by Ian William Galloway.

The Audience is produced in the West End by Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harries.

EXTRA PREVIEW MATINEE PERFORMANCES SCHEDULED FOR STEPHEN DALDRY'S PRODUCTION OF PETER MORGAN'S THE AUDIENCE

Fri, 01 February 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Two further preview matinee performances (16 and 27 February 2013 at 2.30pm) have been scheduled for Stephen Daldry's production of Peter Morgan's The Audience.

Joining Helen Mirren as The Queen in this world premiere are Michael Elwyn as Anthony Eden, Haydn Gwynne as Margaret Thatcher, Robert Hardy as Winston Churchill, Richard McCabe as Harold Wilson, Nathaniel Parker as Gordon Brown, Paul Ritter as John Major and Rufus Wright as David Cameron. The Equerry is Geoffrey Beevers and the role of Young Elizabeth will be played by Bebe Cave, Maya Gerber and Nell Williams.

The Audience will preview at the Gielgud Theatre from 15 February 2013, with press night on 5 March 2013 and is currently booking to 15 June 2013. Designs are by Bob Crowley with lighting by Rick Fisher, sound by Paul Arditti, music by Paul Englishby and video by Ian William Galloway.

For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace - a meeting like no other in British public life - it is private. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said. Not even to their spouses.

The Audience breaks this contract of silence and imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister has used these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional - sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive. In turn, the Queen can't help but reveal her own self as she advises, consoles and, on occasion, teases.

From young mother to grandmother these private audiences chart the arc of the second Elizabethan Age. Politicians come and go through the revolving door of electoral politics, while she remains constant, waiting to welcome her next Prime Minister.

The Audience is produced in the West End by Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harries.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE WORLD PREMIÈRE OF JOHN LOGAN'S NEW PLAY PETER AND ALICE

Fri, 11 January 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Michael Grandage Company presents
World première
PETER AND ALICE
A new play by John Logan

9 March - 1 June
Press night: 25 March 2013

Director: Michael Grandage; Set and Costume Designer: Christopher Oram
Lighting Designer: Paule Constable; Composer and Sound Designer: Adam Cork

Today full casting is announced for Peter and Alice - John Logan's new play which continues the Michael Grandage Company Season at the Noël Coward Theatre. Joining Judi Dench and Ben Whishaw are Olly Alexander, Ruby Bentall, Stefano Braschi, Nicholas Farrell and Derek Riddell. The production follows the critically acclaimed Privates on Parade, and opens on 25 March, with previews from 9 March, and runs until 1 June 2013.

"Of course that's how it begins: a harmless fairy tale to pass the hours"

When Alice Liddell Hargreaves met Peter Llewelyn Davies at the opening of a Lewis Carroll exhibition in 1932, the original Alice in Wonderland came face to face with the original Peter Pan. In John Logan's remarkable new play, enchantment and reality collide as this brief encounter lays bare the lives of these two extraordinary characters.

Judi Dench plays Alice, and Ben Whishaw plays Peter in Logan's first new play since Red, which won six Tony Awards in 2010.

Peter and Alice continues a season of five plays at the Noël Coward Theatre in London's West End. The fifteen month long season opened with Privates on Parade, and continues with Martin McDonagh's comedy The Cripple of Inishmaan with Daniel Radcliffe; A Midsummer Night's Dream with Sheridan Smith and David Walliams; and completing the season is Jude Law in the title role of Shakespeare's Henry V. At the heart of the season, a commitment to access and building the next generation of theatregoers, with over 100,000 tickets across the season at just £10, a full education programme alongside schools' performances, access performances and job opportunities.

ALL PERFORMANCES FOR CHARIOTS OF FIRE FROM 7TH JANUARY 2013 HAVE BEEN CANCELLED

Thur, 3 January 2013 15:00:00 GMT

All performances for Chariots of Fire from 7th January 2013 have been cancelled.

If you have booked tickets for these performances directly with Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, or have any other queries regarding this please contact the box office on 020 7812 7492.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Thank you.

FURTHER CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR STEPHEN DALDRY'S PRODUCTION OF PETER MORGAN'S THE AUDIENCE

Fri, 30 November 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Joining Helen Mirren as The Queen in the world premiere of Peter Morgan's The Audience are Michael Elwyn as Anthony Eden, Nathaniel Parker as Gordon Brown and Rufus Wright as David Cameron. Alongside the previously announced Haydn Gwynne as Margaret Thatcher, Robert Hardy as Winston Churchill and Paul Ritter as John Major. Final casting will be announced shortly.

Stephen Daldry's production of The Audience will preview at the Gielgud Theatre from 15 February 2013, with press night on 5 March 2013 and is currently booking to 15 June 2013. Designs are by Bob Crowley, lighting by Rick Fisher, sound is by Paul Arditti and video by Ian William Galloway.

For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace - a meeting like no other in British public life - it is private. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said. Not even to their spouses.

The Audience breaks this contract of silence and imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister has used these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional - sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive. In turn, the Queen can't help but reveal her own self as she advises, consoles and, on occasion, teases.

From young mother to grandmother these private audiences chart the arc of the second Elizabethan Age. Politicians come and go through the revolving door of electoral politics, while she remains constant, waiting to welcome her next Prime Minister.

Michael Elwyn returns to the theatre having more reccenty been seen on television in The Syndicate, Da Vinci's Demons, EastEnders, Stella, Seven Lives, The Tudors, Into the Storm, Foyle's War, Ten Days To War, Robin Hood, The Bill, Sharpe's Challenge, The Queen's Sister, Rosemary and Thyme, Dirty Filthy Love, The Brief, Byron, Daniel Deronda, Bertie and Elizabeth, Micawber, North Square, Soldier, Soldier, After Henry and Kinse. His film credits include The Iron Lady, Surveillance, Shadowman and Dot the I.

After leaving drama school Nathaniel Parker joined the Royal Shakespeare Company before appearing many times in the West End and on Broadway. His television credits include leading roles in the BBC's adaptations of Vanity Fair, The Nuremburg Trials and Bleak House and for seven years he played the lead role in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. His more recent television credits include Injustice, Merlin, Me and Mrs Jones and the forthcoming Still Life for CBC. His many film credits include War Requiem, Hamlet, Othello, Fade To Black, Stardust, The Domino Effect, The Perfect Host, Malice In Wonderland, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Rufus Wright's theatre credits include The 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre, The Empire for the Royal Court, Private Lives for Hampstead Theatre, Frost/Nixon and Mary Stuart both for Donmar Warehouse and in the West End and Journey's End at the Playhouse and Duke of York's Threatres. His television credits include Foyle's War, New Tricks, White Van Man, Five Daughters, The Thick of It, Taking the Flak and Bomber. His film credits include The Special Relationship, Jean Charles, James Bond: Quantum of Solace and Spy Game.

The Audience is produced in the West End by Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harries.

THE PACKERS ARE COMING...

Fri, 30 November 2012 09:00:00 GMT

"BARKING IN ESSEX"
A WORLD PREMIERE BY CLIVE EXTON
STARRING LEE EVANS AND SHEILA HANCOCK
TO OPEN IN LONDON'S WEST END AT WYNDHAM'S THEATRE
ON MONDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2013 FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON

Clive Exton's new comedy, BARKING IN ESSEX, starring Lee Evans and Sheila Hancock, will premiere at Wyndham's Theatre on Monday 16 September 2013, following previews from 6 September.

Freedom finally beckons for Algie Packer, Essex's most notorious gangster. He's done seven years inside and now he's coming home to collect his booty - £3,672,000 in untraceable notes. But there's something Algie's family have forgotten to mention... The Packers are Essex's lovable, but most dysfunctional family. Lee Evans (The Producers, Endgame, The Dumb Waiter) is hapless, dim-witted Darnley, the village idiot of the criminal underworld, and Sheila Hancock (The Last of the Duchess, Sister Act, The Birthday Party) is Emmie, his mother - the family's Rottweiler with a hairdo. Witness the Packers as they desperately attempt to cover their tracks before Algie arrives to collect what is rightfully his.

BARKING IN ESSEX is a diabolically funny play by Clive Exton, the acclaimed writer of 10 Rillington Place, Poirot and Jeeves and Wooster, and is directed by Harry Burton (The Dumb Waiter, The Leisure Society) and casting is by Anne Vosser. It will be produced in London by Michael Edwards and Carole Winter for MJE Productions.

RECORD-BREAKING MUSICAL MAMMA MIA!

Thur, 15 November 2012 16:00:00 GMT

NOW BREAKS BOX OFFICE RECORDS
AT ITS NEW HOME AT THE NOVELLO THEATRE

Having broken box office records at its previous homes at the Prince Edward and Prince of Wales Theatres, MAMMA MIA!, now in its 14th year in London, continues to break box office records at its new home at the Novello Theatre. The musical had the highest ever weekly gross taken in the history of the Novello Theatre (formerly the Strand), for the week ending 3 November this year.

MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre on 3 June 2004. The musical re-opened at the Novello Theatre on 6 September 2012 and celebrated its third London home with a Gala on 12 September in aid of BBC Children In Need.

MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer's ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise. To date, it has been seen by more than 50 million people in 37 productions in 14 different languages grossing more than $2 billion at the box office. MAMMA MIA! the Movie is the highest grossing musical film and one in four households in the UK has the DVD.

From West End to global phenomenon, the London production of MAMMA MIA! has now been seen by more than 1 in 10 of the entire UK population. It is one of only five musicals to have run for more than 10 years both on Broadway and in the West End, and last year, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Chinese in the People's Republic of China.

The cast of MAMMA MIA! is led by Helen Hobson as Donna Sheridan, Joanna Monro as Rosie and Kim Ismay as Tanya, with Gary Milner as Sam Carmichael, Neil Roberts as Harry Bright, James Gaddas as Bill Austin, Charlotte Wakefield as Sophie Sheridan, Andreas Gyllander as Sky, Abiola Ogunbiyi as Ali, Tasha Taylor Johnson as Lisa, Steven Oliver as Pepper and Liam Doyle as Eddie. At certain performances, the role of Donna Sheridan is played by Claire Poyzer.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.

FREE parking this weekend in the West End

Fri, 17 August 2012 17:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to pass on the following information from Westminster City Council.

Westminster City Council wants residents, visitors and businesses to make the most of the city this summer. They are offering FREE parking in paid-for parking bays and on single yellow lines.

When: Saturday 18th - Sunday 19th and Saturday 25th - Sunday 26th August 2012.

Please note, normal restrictions apply to double yellow lines and residents' bays. This initiative is supported by the Greater London Authority (GLA).

Click here to find out more.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Fri, 17 August 2012 11:00:00 GMT

MAJOR CAST CHANGES IN THE SMASH HIT ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER MUSICAL
"THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA"

FROM MONDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2012

MARCUS LOVETT TO STAR AS 'THE PHANTOM'
SIMON THOMAS AS 'RAOUL'
LARA MARTINS AS 'CARLOTTA'
AND ANNA O'BYRNE AS 'CHRISTINE' AT CERTAIN PERFORMANCES

Major cast changes will take place in the smash hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" from Monday 3 September. Joining the company will be Marcus Lovett as 'The Phantom', Simon Thomas as 'Raoul', Lara Martins as 'Carlotta' and Anna O'Byrne as 'Christine' at certain performances.

"THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" will continue to star Sofia Escobar as 'Christine', Cheryl McAvoy as 'Madame Giry', Jeremy Secomb as 'Piangi', Barry James as 'Monsieur Firmin', Gareth Snook as 'Monsieur André' and Anna Forbes as 'Meg Giry'.

Marcus Lovett made his Broadway debut in the original Broadway production of "Les Misérables". His other Broadway credits include the title role in "King David" at the New Amsterdam Theatre, 'The Phantom' in "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Majestic Theatre, 'Billy Bigelow' in "Carousel" at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre and 'Alex Dillingham' in "Aspects of Love" at the Broadhurst Theatre. In the West End Marcus also originated the role of 'The Man' in "Whistle Down the Wind" at the Aldwych Theatre. He has been a soloist at Carnegie hall, L'Opera De Paris and the Royal Albert Hall, and is on the cast recordings of "Les Misérables", "Whistle Down The Wind" and "Andrew Lloyd Webber's Fiftieth Birthday Celebration at The Royal Albert Hall". His debut solo album "Marcus Lovett, The Give Moment" was released in 2008. Marcus is also currently the voice of the promotions for "Good Morning America" on ABC and "The Late Show with David Letterman".

Simon Thomas recently starred as 'Warner Huntington III' in "Legally Blonde" at the Savoy Theatre. Other recent theatre credits include 'Rapunzel's Prince' in "Into The Woods" at the Open Air Theatre, 'Tarzan' in "Tarzan" at the Theatre Neue Flora in Hamburg, 'Lucien' in "Marguerite" at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, "Make Me A Song" at the New Players Theatre and "Merry Wives Of Windsor" at the RSC.

Lara Martins is a soprano who has enjoyed an international career singing a wide-ranging repertoire. Recent operatic engagements include 'Sofia' in "Il Signor Bruschino by Rossini" for the Opéra National de Bordeaux, 'Blondchen' in "Entfürung aus dem Serail" for Opera de Marseille, 'Susanna' in "Le Nozze di Figaro" for Teatro da Trindade in Lisbon and 'Clarissa' in "Die Drei Pintos" and 'Princess Hirvaia' in "Dick Whittington and his Cat" at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London. Lara has been awarded several prizes including the English Song Prize and the Anne Wyburd Award at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and first prize at the Concurso de Interpretação de Musica do Estoril in Portugal.

Anna O'Byrne most recently starred as 'Christine Daaé' in the Australian Premiere production of "Love Never Dies". Anna also features in the filmed version of the production which was released on DVD and Blu-Ray and screened in cinemas all over the world. Anna made her professional debut in the Australian production of "The Phantom of the Opera", where she covered and performed the role of 'Christine Daaé'. Anna has also been a Principal Artist at Victorian Opera where she played 'Polly Peachum' in the Malthouse Theatre/Victorian Opera co-production of "The Threepenny Opera", 'The Gossip' in "Angélique" and 'Pamina' in "Die Zauberflöte". Other operatic performances include 'Tamiri' in "Il Re Pastore" for Lyric Opera of Melbourne, "Die Fledermaus" for In Good Company and "La Clemenza di Tito" for the VCA Opera Studio.

QUARTERMAINE'S TERMS

Fri, 9 June 2012 09:00:00 GMT

Michael Codron and Theatre Royal Bath Productions present

Quartermaine's Terms

By Simon Gray
Directed by Richard Eyre
Starring Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson takes title role in Simon Gray's play
Richard Eyre to direct, with design by Tim Hatley
Press night Tuesday 29 January 2013

Rowan Atkinson will star as the well-meaning but hopeless teacher St John Quartermaine in the first major West End revival of Simon Gray's play 'Quartermaine's Terms', from 23 January 2013 at Wyndham's Theatre, London.

The production will be directed by Richard Eyre, with design by Tim Hatley. It will play the Theatre Royal Brighton (8 - 12 January) and the Theatre Royal Bath (14 - 19 January) before beginning previews in the West End on 23 January at Wyndham's Theatre (press night Tuesday 29 January).

Further cast to be announced.

Set in the 1960s in an English language school for foreigners, this tragicomic play is a humorous but ultimately moving account of several years in the lives of seven teachers.

At the heart of the group is St. John Quartermaine (Rowan Atkinson) - kind, pleasant and agreeable, but utterly hopeless as a teacher. An almost permanent feature in the staff room, he's always available to listen to the problems of his self-obsessed colleagues. But when a new Principal is appointed, Quartermaine's future looks precarious...

This quintessentially British drama is written by Simon Gray with his characteristic sparkling wit.

Rowan Atkinson first came to national attention in the late 1970s in the renowned Amnesty International show The Secret Policeman's Ball and in the BBC satirical comedy series Not the Nine O'Clock News. In 1983, Rowan and writer Richard Curtis created their "situation tragedy" The Black Adder for the BBC: that series and the three subsequent written by Richard and Ben Elton won a host of awards, including personal awards for Rowan's performance.

His most famous character, Mr Bean, first emerged in Rowan's 1980s stage revues and was developed into a television series with Richard Curtis and Robin Driscoll. Mr Bean has been screened in over 240 countries and transformed into an animated series and two feature films that Rowan co-produced, Bean and Mr Bean's Holiday. Other films include Never Say Never Again, The Lion King (for which he provided the voice of Zazu), The Witches, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Johnny English, Love Actually and Johnny English Reborn.

Quartermaine's Terms will be Rowan Atkinson's first appearance in a play for almost 25 years. He first appeared in the West End in 1981 in Rowan Atkinson in Revue, also produced by Michael Codron, for which he won a SWET award, and subsequently in The New Revue, The Nerd, The Sneeze and most recently as Fagin in Sir Cameron Mackintosh's revival of the musical Oliver!, for which he received an Olivier Award nomination.

Richard Eyre's productions as Artistic Director of the National Theatre (1988-97) included Guys and Dolls, The Beggar's Opera, Hamlet, Racing Demon, Richard III, Night of the Iguana, Skylight, La Grande Magia, John Gabriel Borkman, Amy's View, King Lear and The Invention of Love. Since then theatre and opera work includes The Crucible and Mary Poppins (West End, Broadway), Nozze di Figaro (Aix-en-Provence), Vincent in Brixton (RNT, West End, Broadway), The Reporter and The Observer (RNT), Private Lives (West End and Broadway), A Flea in Her Ear (Old Vic) The Last of the Duchess (Hampstead) and his own adaptations of Les Mains sales and Hedda Gabler (Almeida) and Carmen (Metropolitan Opera, New York). Film work includes Tumbledown, Suddenly Last Summer, The Ploughman's Lunch, Iris, Stage Beauty and Notes on a Scandal. He adapted and directed Henry IV Parts One and Two for the BBC's Shakespeare Season. His books include National Service, a journal of his time at the RNT and Talking Theatre. He has received numerous major awards; in 2011 Richard was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was knighted in 1997

Tim Hatley has won two Olivier Awards and two Tony Awards for stage design. His West End and Broadway theatre credits include Betty Blue Eyes, Shrek the Musical, Spamalot, Private Lives, Suddenly Last Summer and The Crucible. His credits for the National Theatre include Timon of Athens, Welcome to Thebes, Rafta Rafta, Present Laughter, Henry V, The Talking Cure, Vincent in Brixton, Humble Boy, Stanley, Hamlet, Sleep with Me, Darker Face of the Earth, Flight, Caucasian Chalk Circle & Out of a house. (with Complicite). Opera credits include La Traviata (Vlaamse Opera), Figaro (Aix-en-Provence), Love for 3 Oranges (Cologne), Carmen, Orpheus in the Underworld, Return of Ulysees (Opera North), Ariadne auf Naxos & Il Trovatore (Scottish Opera). His film credits include Stage Beauty (2003 dir Richard Eyre), Closer (2004 dir Mike Nichols) and Notes on a Scandal (2006 dir Richard Eyre).

Simon Gray's many stage plays include Wise Child, Butley, Otherwise Engaged, The Common Pursuit, The Late Middle Classes and The Old Masters. He was also a novelist and screenwriter. Gray published several volumes of diaries, which he adapted for the stage, with Hugh Whitemore, as The Last Cigarette.

For more information, visit www.quartermainesterms.com

Press night will be held on Tuesday 29th January 2013 at 7pm at Wyndham's Theatre, London WC2.

HUSBAND AND WIFE TO STAR TOGETHER IN MAMMA MIA! THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL

Tue, 8 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

NEW CAST FROM 11 JUNE 2012

Gary Milner will be joining real-life wife Sally Ann Triplett in the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! at the Prince of Wales Theatre from 11 June 2012. Gary, who will play Sam Carmichael opposite Sally's Donna Sheridan, most recently appeared on stage playing the title role in Pericles at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Other recent theatre work includes Love Story at the Chichester Festival Theatre and the Duchess Theatre, The Crucible at the Open Air Theatre, A Streetcar Named Desire at the Donmar Warehouse, The Music Man at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Parade at the Donmar Warehouse, and Evita at the Adelphi Theatre.

Also joining the cast from 11 June are Neil Roberts as Harry Bright, James Gaddas as Bill Austin, Charlotte Wakefield as Sophie Sheridan, Andreas Gyllander as Sky, Abiola Ogunbiyi as Ali, Tasha Taylor Johnson as Lisa, Steven Oliver as Pepper and Liam Doyle as Eddie. At certain performances, the role of 'Donna Sheridan' will be played by Claire Poyzer. Joanna Monro and Kim Ismay will continue as Rosie and Tanya respectively. This new cast will appear in MAMMA MIA! at the Prince of Wales Theatre until 1 September and will then move with the show to its new home at the Novello Theatre from 6 September 2012.

CHEKHOV AS YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE AND WINNER OF BEST PRODUCTION IN RUSSIA IN 2011

Fri, 20 April 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Russia's award-winning theatre company Vakhtangov brings its ground-breaking UNCLE VANYA to London's West End

Vakhtangov Theatre under the direction of Rimas Tuminas, one of the most influential directors in Russia and Europe, comes to the Noël Coward Theatre 5 - 10 November with it's breathtaking and stunningly realised modern interpretation of Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA, winner of Best Production at Russia's Golden Mask Awards (which is equivalent to an Emmy Award).

Following in the footsteps of Moscow's Sovremennik Theatre Company, which took London by storm in early 2011, Oksana Nemchuk and Artsbridge Ltd are proud to present Vakhtangov Theatre, a company responsible for many of Russia's most critically acclaimed and best-loved productions.

Producer Oksana Nemchuk says that after the huge success of the Sovremennik season, 'I now understand the importance of bringing these unique and previously unseen Russian theatre productions to the West End. I hope this return to the Noël Coward will mark the beginning of a regular Russian theatre season in London'.

In Vakhtangov's UNCLE VANYA there's no Chekhovian mansion, no cosy arm-chairs, no table laid for lunch with a lacy tablecloth and hot samovar; no feeling of 'home' where several generations have lived. Instead Rimas Tuminas has released the stage from the familiar and the domestic, leaving behind a battlefield of passions, broken illusions and unrealized hopes. Daily life turns imperceptibly into poetry, the drama acquires a tinge of tender irony and every detail on the stage arouses the audience's emotions.

'I wanted to show the death of the culture that had existed for several centuries. I discovered Chekhov's drama when I was a third year student at the Vilnus Conservatoire (productions of his plays in Lithuania were rare and far between). Instantly I had that odd feeling that I was a pioneer who had discovered a brilliant, yet generally unknown playwright. My decision to become a director stemmed largely from the desire to stage Chekhov. In this sense I've been staging Chekhov all my life. I first put on 'Uncle Vanya' in Vilnus twenty years ago. Since then I have been staging this play in theatres around the world. I even once compared it to a folk song that one feels like singing over and over again. Now with this production I'm becoming increasingly aware that there are still lots of things to be discovered in this play and that the characters appear to be different from what I thought they were earlier. The dialogue Chekhov engages in with the modern times is amazingly complex. It is no less amazing to see the company that has for a long time been labeled 'anti-Chekhovian' reveal its best qualities precisely in a production of Chekhov's plays.'
Rimas Tuminas

Vakhtangov is home to many of the best known Russian stars of stage and screen. UNCLE VANYA features superb performances from Sergey Makovetsky, Vladimir Simonov, Ludmila Maksakova, Vladimir Vdovichenkov and Galina Konovalova amongst others.

Composer Faustas Latenas has created a mesmerizing soundscape for the production, illustrating and underscoring the drama. Sets and scenery are by Tuminas' long time collaborator, Adomas Yatsovskis, who creates meticulously conceived open spaces where anything can happen.

The play will be performed in Russian with English subtitles.
www.vakhtangov.ru

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR WEST END TRANSFER OF CHARIOTS OF FIRE

Wed, 18 April 2012 17:00:00 GMT

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR WEST END TRANSFER OF
EDWARD HALL'S HAMPSTEAD THEATRE PRODUCTION OF
CHARIOTS OF FIRE

Edward Hall's Hampstead Theatre production of Chariots of Fire will transfer to the Gielgud Theatre from 22 June 2012, following its run at the North London venue. Award-winning playwright Mike Bartlett's new adaptation, inspired by Colin Welland's original screenplay, is now booking in the West End until 10 November 2012.

Based on the extraordinary true story of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, this inspirational tale of hope, honour and belief has designs by Miriam Buether who will transform both the Hampstead and Gielgud Theatres into immersive stadia experiences, evoking the spirit of the 1924 Paris Olympic Games.

1924. The Paris Olympic Games. A devout Scottish Christian runs for the glory of God. The son of an immigrant Lithuanian Jew runs to overcome predjudice. Two young track athletes who live for the beautiful purity of running and who prevail in the face of overwhelming odds.

The cast, led by Jack Lowden as Eric Liddell and James McArdle as Harold Abrahams comprises Sam Archer (Athlete), Joe Bannister (Frank), Antonia Bernath (Florence Mackenzie), Natasha Broomfield (Jennie Liddell), Gareth Charlton (Athlete), Henry Davis (Athlete), Mark Edel-Hunt (Aubrey Montague), Lloyd Everitt (Athlete), Daniel Fraser (Athlete), Nickolas Grace (Master Of Trinity), Leemore Marrett Jr (Athlete), David Newman (Prince of Wales), Matthew Pearson (Sandy McGrath), Simon Slater (Mr Liddell/Foster), Savannah Stevenson (Sybil Gordon), Paul Tinto (Secretary of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society), Simon Williams (Master of Caius), Tam Williams (Lord Andrew Lindsay) and Nicholas Woodeson (Sam Mussabini).

Costumes are by Michael Howells with lighting by Rick Fisher, choreography by Scott Ambler and sound by Paul Groothuis. The production will feature the legendary music of Vangelis with additional live music and arrangements by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Carr.

West End producers Hugh Hudson, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson and Michael Rose Limited will transfer the Hampstead Theatre production of Chariots of Fire to the Gielgud Theatre. "We are delighted to be working with the Hampstead Theatre on Edward Hall's production of Chariots of Fire. We look forward to bringing this powerful production to the West End at a time when London will be united in celebrating the spirit of the Olympics"

ED BYRNE, JON SNOW AND MITCH WINEHOUSE... HAVE I GOT FUNNY NEWS FOR YOU!

Tue, 03 April 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Stars to be amongst the participants in a one-off comic event which aims to raise awareness and funds for New Horizon Youth Centre

It's not often news broadcasters are associated with gut-wrenching, side-splitting laughter, but come Monday 14th May, the Prince Edward Theatre in Soho will do just that!

Channel 4 News' Jon Snow will take to the stage for the second year running to host a night of comedy and all-star entertainment, teaming-up with comedian Ed Byrne and other acts, including father of the late Amy Winehouse, Mitch Winehouse to raise funds for New Horizon Youth Centre (NHYC) - a charity that helps young, homeless and vulnerable Londoners.

The event is sure to be a sell out as the nation's comedy lovers unite to raise funds and awareness for NHYC. Tickets for this one-off event are on sale now, priced between £10 and £40.

Last year 1000 people flocked to the event which saw Byrne and Snow team - up with a line-up that included top comics Al Murray and Lucy Porter, and this year is set to be even better. Alongside a list of other well-known participants, yet to be announced, the trio will perform with the talented youths who are part of the New Horizon Youth Centre. The event really is set to be a 'cackling' great night!

Comedian Ed Byrne is keeping tight-lipped about his material, but comments: "I find it hard to believe that in a city like London, there are still so many young homeless people struggling to make something of their futures. This performance is a great chance to see some of Britain's favourite comics share the stage with young talent. I urge everyone to buy a ticket and have a laugh while helping to support those who need it most."

New Horizon Youth Centre, chaired by Jon Snow, is a charity that works with disadvantaged young people to help them gain skills and knowledge to improve their life chances. The centre provides a calm and well-organised secure base, offering both educational and recreational facilities for young people. Based in Kings Cross, London, the Youth Centre's doors are open seven days a week and sees up to 2,500 young people a year.

Jon Snow added: "We are all immensely proud of the talented young people, who, with the guidance from NHYC, have managed to address some of the issues they face. For the young homeless people performing at the theatre, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the stage with esteemed names in the world of entertainment and a chance to share their talents with an engaged audience."

DERREN BROWN BRINGS SVENGALI TO THE NOVELLO THEATRE FOR A FINAL RUN

Fri, 22 March 2012 10:00:00 GMT

The Devil rides back in...
Derren Brown brings Svengali to the Novello Theatre for a final run

2012 Olivier-nominated show returns to the West End for 27 performances only

"A baffling, bamboozling and beautifully bewitching display of devilry. When it comes to eye-popping illusions Brown is the only game in town"
Evening Standard

Be prepared for a theatrical roller-coaster ride as the acknowledged master of psychological illusion returns to the West End with his 2012 Oliver-nominated show DERREN BROWN: SVENGALI. This is the last chance to see the sell-out live show that has mesmerized the nation, performing in over 150 venues

SVENGALI will reside at the Novello Theatre from July 12 - Aug 11 2012.

Derren, who professes that he loves writing and performing on stage more than anything else, says:

"I enjoy the stage shows more than anything else. This one is fun, dark, funny, freaky. Live on stage is the best place for what I do: it's unpredictable, and the audience knows there's no possibility of judicious editing. Plus we've put in new material for this year and the show has grown and changed on the road more than any other."

Svengali is written by Derren Brown and Iain Sharkey with Stephen Long and produced by Michael Vine, Andrew O'Connor & Corrie McGuire for Objective Talent Management.

Tickets go on sale from 10am, Friday 23 March

Press night is July 17, 7pm.

On stage as well as on TV Derren is in a class of his own, exhilarating audiences with his unique brand of entertainment. For the past ten years he has created TV and stage performances that have stunned audiences, debunked the paranormal and encouraged many to improve and enhance their own mental abilities. His first show appeared in 2000, Derren Brown: Mind Control, and was followed with Trick of the Mind, Trick or Treat and a series of Specials including the controversial Russian Roulette, the hugely popular Events, Hero at 30,000 Feet and the more recent Experiments.

Derren's live stage shows have earned him a string of award nominations, including three Oliver nominations. He has won both the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment Show, and a Silver Rose d'Or for Variety.

DANIELLE HOPE AND TAM MUTU TO STAR IN LES MISÉRABLES

Fri, 9 March 2012 17:00:00 GMT

DANIELLE HOPE TO STAR AS 'EPONINE'
AND TAM MUTU TO STAR AS 'JAVERT'

IN THE WEST END PRODUCTION OF

"LES MISÉRABLES"

AT THE QUEEN'S THEATRE
FROM MONDAY 18 JUNE 2012
Danielle Hope will star as 'Eponine' and Tam Mutu will star as 'Javert' in the legendary musical "LES MISÉRABLES" at the Queen's Theatre from Monday 18 June. They join the previously announced Gerónimo Rauch, who will star as 'Jean Valjean'. Further casting to be announced.

Danielle Hope made her professional debut as 'Dorothy' in "The Wizard of Oz" at the London Palladium after winning the BBC's smash hit "Over the Rainbow", having competed against over 9,000 girls. Following her success on "Over the Rainbow", Danielle also released a single of the song 'Over the Rainbow' in aid of the BBC Performing Arts Fund and Prostate UK. During her studies, Danielle performed at a number of dance festivals including the BBC African Dance Project at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.

Tam Mutu most recently played the role of 'The Phantom' in "Love Never Dies". Other theatre credits include "Faustus" for Headlong Theatre Company, "The Royal Hunt of the Sun", "Love's Labour's Lost", "Anything Goes" and "South Pacific", all at the National Theatre, "Orange Peel" at the Royal Court Theatre, "East" at Leicester Haymarket, "Romeo and Juliet" and "King Lear" at the Royal Shakespeare Company, "As You Like it", "Romeo and Juliet" and "Oh What a Lovely War" at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, and "Les Miserables" at the Palace Theatre.

As well as celebrating its 25th Birthday in October 2010, the legendary musical "LES MISÉRABLES" made theatrical history with an international first - three different productions playing in London simultaneously. The Original Production at the Queen's Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, the acclaimed New 25th Anniversary Production at the Barbican (where the show originally premiered in 1985) and the celebratory concert at The O2.

The magnificent score of "LES MISÉRABLES" includes the songs, "I Dreamed a Dream", "On My Own", "Stars", "Bring Him Home", "Do You Hear the People Sing?", "One Day More", "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables", "Master Of The House" and many more.

"LES MISÉRABLES" originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on 8 October 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on 4 December 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen's Theatre on 3 April 2004. When "LES MISÉRABLES" celebrated its 21st London birthday on 8 October 2006, it became the World's Longest Running Musical, surpassing the record previously held by "Cats" in London's West End. In January 2010, the West End production broke another record by celebrating its historic 10,000th performance.

Seen by nearly 60 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 21 languages, "LES MISÉRABLES" is undisputedly one of the world's most popular musicals ever written, with new productions continually opening around the globe, with seven more currently scheduled. There have been 36 cast recordings of "LES MISÉRABLES", including the multi-platinum London cast recording, the Grammy Award-winning Broadway cast and complete symphonic albums and the recently released live recording of the New 25th Anniversary Production. The video of the 10th Anniversary Royal Albert Hall Gala Concert has sold millions of copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling musical videos ever in the UK. There are over 2,500 productions of the Les Miserables School's Edition scheduled or being performed by over 125,000 school children in the UK, US and Australia, making it the most successful musical ever produced in schools. Shooting for the film of "LES MISÉRABLES" starts in March and stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Aaron Tveit and Samantha Barks. It is produced by Cameron Mackintosh with Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan of Working Title and Universal Studios and is directed by Tom Hooper

Cameron Mackintosh's production of "LES MISÉRABLES" is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel and additional material by James Fenton. The original London 1985 production of "LES MISÉRABLES" was adapted and directed by Trevor Nunn and John Caird.

THE KING'S SPEECH WRITTEN BY DAVID SEIDLER

Fri, 17 Febraury 2012 10:00:00 GMT

THE KING'S SPEECH TO TRANSFER TO THE WEST END

OPENS AT WYNDHAM'S THEATRE ON 22 MARCH 2012

STARRING CHARLES EDWARDS AS KING GEORGE VI AND JONATHAN HYDE AS LIONEL LOGUE

DIRECTED BY ADRIAN NOBLE AND DESIGNED BY ANTHONY WARD

UK TOUR CONTINUES UNTIL 17 MARCH 2012

Playful Productions and Michael Alden are delighted to announce that the highly acclaimed stage production of The King's Speech will transfer to Wyndham's Theatre on 22 March, with an opening night on 27 March. The world premier production of the original play by David Seidler took place on Friday 10 February at Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and continues on tour around the UK until 17 March.

Directed by Adrian Noble and designed by Anthony Ward, the cast includes Charles Edwards as King George VI, Jonathan Hyde as Lionel Logue, Emma Fielding as Queen Elizabeth, Ian McNeice as Winston Churchill, Michael Feast as Cosmo Lang, and Joss Ackland as King George V. Further casting includes Charlotte Randle as Myrtle Logue, David Killick as Stanley Baldwin, and Daniel Betts as King Edward VIII.

David Seidler wrote The King's Speech as a play before it became a film for which he won both the Academy Award© and BAFTA for Best Screenplay. Charles Edwards - who recently appeared at Shakespeare's Globe opposite Eve Best in Much Ado About Nothing for which he received an Evening Standard Best Actor Nomination - plays King George VI, and Australian born Jonathan Hyde, who was recently seen in The Deep Blue Sea at Chichester Festival Theatre, plays speech therapist Lionel Logue.

David Seidler's story about how King George VI conquered his debilitating stammer with the help of maverick speech therapist Lionel Logue was one of 2010's most successful films, winning countless awards including four Academy Awards© and seven BAFTAs and grossing over $400,000,000 worldwide at the Box Office.

Charles Edwards played the leading role of Richard Hannay to wide acclaim in the Olivier Award winning West End production of The 39 Steps and later on Broadway. Last year Charles appeared in Peter Hall's production of Twelfth Night at the National Theatre. His film and television credits include An Ideal Husband, Monarch of the Glen, Mansfield Park, Murder Rooms: The Dark Beginnings of Sherlock Holmes and The Shell Seekers.

Jonathan Hyde is an Australian born actor who has worked extensively in theatre, film and TV. Jonathan's theatre credits include Captain Hook in Peter Pan (Kensington Gardens, 02, San Francisco), Diaghilev in Rattigan's Nijkinsky (Chichester Festival Theatre), Jumpers (National Theatre) and Antigone (Old Vic Theatre). Jonathan has performed with the RSC, most recently in Ian McKellen's King Lear, as Kent, and as Dr Dorn in The Seagull, which toured internationally. Film credits include The Mummy, Titanic, Anaconda, Jumanji and Richie Rich, and his television credits include Spooks (now showing), The Queen and The Return of Sherlock Holmes.

Emma Fielding is well known for her roles in the television series Cranford and The Ghost Squad, Fielding has also appeared in numerous RSC and National Theatre productions and was nominated for the 2002 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in Private Lives. The show then transferred to Broadway where she won a Theatre World Award.

A stutterer himself, British born David Seidler has won huge acclaim for his screenplay of The King's Speech. Arriving in Hollywood aged 40 his first screenplay was Tucker: The Man and His Dream for Francis Ford Copolla in 1988. Always wanting to write about King George VI, Seidler started researching in the 1970s. After finding the surviving son of Lionel Logue, Dr. Valentine Logue, now a retired brain surgeon, he wrote to him in 1981. In turn, Logue was keen to talk with Seidler and even share the notebooks his father kept while treating the King, but on the condition that he received "written permission from the Queen Mother" first. Upon writing to her, Seidler received a reply from her private secretary, asking him not to pursue the project during her lifetime. Consequently Seidler abandoned the project in 1982. The Queen Mother died in 2002, but Seidler didn't start the work until 2005, when he suffered from cancer, and returned to the story during a bout of creative work it inspired. In 2011 Seidler won a BAFTA award for Best Original Screenplay, and later an Academy Award© for Best Original Screenplay for the film The King's Speech.

MAJOR 'JEAN VALJEAN' CASTING NEWS FOR "LES MISÉRABLES" AT THE QUEEN'S THEATRE

Wed, 15 Febraury 2012 12:00:00 GMT

RAMIN KARIMLOO TO EXTEND HIS RUN IN THE SHOW BY THREE WEEKS
UNTIL SATURDAY 31 MARCH 2012

DAVID SHANNON TO RETURN TO THE ROLE OF 'JEAN VALJEAN'
FROM TUESDAY 3 APRIL UNTIL SATURDAY 16 JUNE 2012

GERÓNIMO RAUCH TO STAR AS 'JEAN VALJEAN'
FROM MONDAY 18 JUNE 2012 UNTIL SATURDAY 15 JUNE 2013

Cameron Mackintosh announced today that Ramin Karimloo will extend his run playing 'Jean Valjean' in the legendary musical "LES MISÉRABLES" at the Queen's Theatre until 31 March 2012. David Shannon will then return to the role of 'Jean Valjean' from Tuesday 3 April - Saturday 16 June 2012. He will be followed by Gerónimo Rauch who will play the role from Monday 18 June 2012 until Saturday 15 June 2013.

The current West End company also includes Hadley Fraser as 'Javert', Caroline Sheen as 'Fantine', Alexia Khadime as 'Eponine', Craig Mather as 'Marius', Cameron Blakely as 'Thénardier', Katy Secombe as 'Madame Thénardier', Liam Tamne as 'Enjolras' and Lisa-Anne Wood as 'Cosette'.

David Shannon has previously played 'Jean Valjean' in "Les Misérables" at the Queen's Theatre. His other West End credits include 'The Phantom' in "The Phantom of the Opera", creating the role of 'John' in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Beautiful Game", for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical, 'Chris' in "Miss Saigon" at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, 'The Man' in "Whistle Down The Wind", 'Rum Tum Tugger' in "Cats" and 'Guillaume' in "Martin Guerre". He also received critical acclaim for playing the title role in 'Sweeney Todd' at the Gate Theatre in Dublin and most recently played Judas in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' with the RTE Concert Orchestra at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

No stranger to "Les Misérables", Gerónimo Rauch is an Argentinian singer and actor who is currently playing 'Jean Valjean' in the New 25th Anniversary production of Los Miserables in Barcelona. Gerónimo has also previously played the roles of 'Feuilly' and 'Marius' in Les Misérables in Argentina, as well as taking part in the 25th Anniversary celebration of "Les Misérables at The 02". In 2002 Gerónimo took part in the Buenos Aires version of TV talent show "Popstars", and was successfully chosen to become a founder member of the band Mambru, whose debut album went Triple Platinum, selling over 120,00 copies. Previous theatre credits inlcude 'Doody' in "Grease" at Astral Theatre in Beunos Aires, 'Jesus' in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Teatro Lope de Vega in Madrid, and 'Mary Sunshine' in "Chicago" at the Teatro Coliseum in Madrid.

As well as celebrating its 25th Birthday in October 2010, the legendary musical "LES MISÉRABLES" made theatrical history with an international first - three different productions playing in London simultaneously. The Original Production at the Queen's Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, the acclaimed New 25th Anniversary Production at the Barbican (where the show originally premiered in 1985) and the celebratory concert at The O2.

The magnificent score of "LES MISÉRABLES" includes the songs, "I Dreamed a Dream", "On My Own", "Stars", "Bring Him Home", "Do You Hear the People Sing?", "One Day More", "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables", "Master Of The House" and many more.

"LES MISÉRABLES" originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on 8 October 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on 4 December 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen's Theatre on 3 April 2004. When "LES MISÉRABLES" celebrated its 21st London birthday on 8 October 2006, it became the World's Longest Running Musical, surpassing the record previously held by "Cats" in London's West End. In January 2010, the West End production broke another record by celebrating its historic 10,000th performance.

Seen by nearly 60 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 21 languages, "LES MISÉRABLES" is undisputedly one of the world's most popular musicals ever written, with new productions continually opening around the globe, with seven more currently scheduled. There have been 36 cast recordings of "LES MISÉRABLES", including the multi-platinum London cast recording, the Grammy Award-winning Broadway cast and complete symphonic albums and the recently released live recording of the New 25th Anniversary Production. The video of the 10th Anniversary Royal Albert Hall Gala Concert has sold millions of copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling musical videos ever in the UK. There are over 2,500 productions of the Les Misérables School's Edition scheduled or being performed by over 125,000 school children in the UK, US and Australia, making it the most successful musical ever produced in schools. Shooting for the film of "LES MISÉRABLES" starts in March and stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Aaron Tveit and Samantha Barks. It is produced by Cameron Mackintosh with Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan of Working Title and Universal Studios and is directed by Tom Hooper

Cameron Mackintosh's production of "LES MISÉRABLES" is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel and additional material by James Fenton. The original London 1985 production of "LES MISÉRABLES" was adapted and directed by Trevor Nunn and John Caird.

COUNTDOWN TO LIFT 2012!

Fri, 10 Febraury 2012 16:00:00 GMT

London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT 2012) presents The UK Premiere of GATZ

Created and Performed by Elevator Repair Service
Directed by John Collins

Noël Coward Theatre
8 June - 15 July 2012. 23 performances only.

Press Performance: 13 June at 2.30pm

A seductive word-for-word staging of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

'James Gatz - that was really, or at least legally, his name.'

Imagine your favourite book coming to life before your eyes. Imagine losing yourself so completely in the world created by the writer that, as it comes to an end, you want to start again.

This is the response that has come from audiences to Elevator Repair Service's extraordinary production GATZ - an eight-hour event performance of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 seminal work on the fallibility of the American dream. Spread over four parts which take you from early afternoon into evening, including a long dining interval, GATZ has taken America by storm, and is New York's hottest ticket. For 23 performances only GATZ will be at The Noel Coward Theatre on St Martin's Lane as part of LIFT 2012.

The most remarkable achievement in theater not only of this year but also of this decade. The Elevator Repair Service's word-for-word presentation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Great Gatsby" captured - in inventively theatrical terms - the unmatchable, heady rush of falling in love with a book. And Scott Shepherd, as a common reader seduced by a great American novel, gave - hands down - the year's most heroic performance. - Ben Brantley, The New York Times 2010

One morning in the shabby office of a mysterious small business, an employee finds a copy of The Great Gatsby in the clutter on his desk. He starts to read it out loud and doesn't stop. At first his co-workers hardly notice. But after a series of strange coincidences, it's no longer clear whether he's reading the book or the book is transforming him.

With a cast of 13, including Wooster Group regular Scott Shepherd, who won an Obie Award for his performance, GATZ is not a retelling of the Gatsby story but an enactment of the novel itself. Fitzgerald's American masterpiece is startlingly brought to life by a low-rent office staff in the midst of their inscrutable business operations.

The cast includes Laurena Allan (Myrtle), Jim Fletcher (Jim), Ross Fletcher (Henry C. Gatz), Lindsay Hockaday (alternate Catherine) Mike Iveson (Ewing), Vin Knight (Chester), Aaron Landsman (George), Annie McNamara (Catherine, alternate Jordan), Kate Scelsa (Lucille), Scott Shepherd (Nick), Susie Sokol (Jordan), Lucy Taylor (Daisy), and Ben Williams (Michaelis).

GATZ's Associate Director is Steve Bodow, scenic design is by Louisa Thompson, costume design by Colleen Werthmann, lighting design by Mark Barton, and sound design by Ben Williams.

Elevator Repair Service, a multi-award winning theatre ensemble, was founded by director John Collins and a group of actors in 1991. Since that time, ERS has built a body of work that has earned it a loyal following and made it one of New York's most highly acclaimed theatre companies of the past 20 years. GATZ has been seen across America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. www.elevator.org

LIFT 2012 will take place across London from June 11th to July 15th. Led by Artistic Director Mark Ball, LIFT is an exhilarating London wide festival of provocative and compelling contemporary theatre and performance of all sizes, brought from across the globe, which reflect both London and the world we live in. The full programme for LIFT 2012 will be announced in March. www.liftfestival.com

GATZ is part of the London 2012 Festival, the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad, bringing leading artists from all over the world together in a UK-wide festival in the summer of 2012.

NOISES OFF BY MICHAEL FRAYN DIRECTED BY LINDSAY POSNER TRANSFERS TO THE WEST END FOR A LIMITED SEASON

Fri, 3 Febraury 2012 10:00:00 GMT

24 MARCH TO 30 JUNE 2012
THE NOVELLO THEATRE

Following its triumphant and universally acclaimed run at The Old Vic, Michael Frayn's multi award-winning backstage comedy Noises Off will transfer to the Novello Theatre for a limited season from 24 March to 30 June.

Noises Off has been the highest grossing show in the history of The Old Vic Theatre Company, breaking weekly box office records during its run. Described by the critics as "Achingly foot-stompingly seal-honkingly hysterical" (The Sunday Times), "Stunning" (The Observer), "Riotous" (The Guardian), "Bang-on-the-money" (The Daily Telegraph), "The ultimate comedy of theatrical chaos and confusion" (Sunday Express) and "Pure Pleasure" (The Times), this will be the first time The Old Vic Theatre Company has transferred a production to the West End.

Directed by Lindsay Posner, the West End transfer will see Jonathan Coy, Janie Dee, Robert Glenister, Jamie Glover, Celia Imrie, Karl Johnson and Paul Ready reprise their roles, with the characters of Poppy Norton-Taylor and Brooke Ashton to be announced shortly.

Kevin Spacey said: "I couldn't be more thrilled with the reaction of audiences to this production of Noises Off. It's wonderful for The Old Vic to be transferring this production into the West End, giving many more people the chance to see Michael Frayn's brilliant play, and the fantastic company of actors that have brought it to life. It has always been our ambition to see our productions travel to other theatres so this is great news for The Old Vic." Michael Frayn said: "I think congratulations are in order to everyone in our terrific cast, and to Lindsay Posner, who directed them. I hope they'll be very happy in their new home".

Winner of both Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Comedy, Noises Off celebrates its 30th anniversary on 23 February. This much loved play serves up a riotous double bill - a play within a play. Hurtling along at breakneck speed it follows the backstage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through rehearsals to a shambolic first night and a final disastrous performance.

Ladykillers: Last chance to see the all star cast of The Ladykillers as the hit new stage adaptation must close on 14th April 2012.

Fri, 27 January 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Last chance to see the all star cast of The Ladykillers as the hit new stage adaptation must close on 14th April 2012.

Audiences have just 11 weeks to see Graham Linehan's adaptation of the classic Ealing comedy The Ladykillers, directed by Sean Foley, as the critically acclaimed production closes at the Gielgud Theatre.

The new stage production has enjoyed tremendous box office success, recently recouping its entire West End outlay. The play also smashed all known box office records at the Gielgud Theatre, by taking just under ?400,000 in a single week between Monday December 26th and Sunday January 1st.

The Ladykillers tells the story of the eccentric little old lady Mrs Wilberforce who lives alone with her parrots in a strange lopsided house in King's Cross. Her life is turned upside down by the arrival of Professor Marcus and his four friends, who between them make up the most unlikely group of criminals. Planning the heist of a security van, they decide to use Mrs Wilberforce as cover and involve her unwittingly in the plot. Things do not go well and the Professor's plan starts to unravel in spectacular and hilarious fashion.

This stage production of The Ladykillers has been adapted by Graham Linehan who is best known for his work on the TV comedy series Father Ted and The IT Crowd. Director Sean Foley is a multi award winning stage director whose work in the West End includes Do You Come Here Often, Play What I Wrote, Ducktastic, Pinter's People and Joan Rivers: A Work In Progress.

The all star cast of The Ladykillers includes Peter Capaldi as Professor Marcus, James Fleet as Major Courtney, Ben Miller as Louis, Clive Rowe as One Round, Stephen Wight as Harry and Marcia Warren as Mrs Wilberforce.

BAFTA winning Peter Capaldi is best known for his role as Malcolm Tucker in the television series The Thick Of It. He has appeared in over forty television series and films including most recently the ITV series The Suspicions of Mr Whicher.

James Fleet is most famous for his role as Tom in Four Weddings And A Funeral and Hugo Horton in The Vicar of Dibley. He has also appeared in numerous stage productions including most recently Richard Bean's The Heretic at the Royal Court.

Ben Miller is best known as one half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller, which has had more than ten television series since they formed in the late 1990s. Miller has also appeared in a variety of other TV series and films including Primeval (ITV), and The Parole Officer (with Steve Coogan) and Johnny English (with Rowan Atkinson).

A hugely accomplished stage actor, Clive Rowe is also well known for his role as Duke in the BBC Children's drama The Story of Tracy Beaker. His stage roles include Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, and Feste in Twelfth Night at the Open Air Theatre Regent's Park. Clive has also become renowned for his pantomime dames as part of Hackney Empire's celebrated Christmas pantos.

Stephen Wight won the Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer in the Evening Standard Awards for his performances in Don Juan In Soho at the Donmar Warehouse, he also appeared in Dealer's Choice both at the Menier Chocolate Factory and in the West End and made his National Theatre debut in 2004 in Sing Yer Heart Out For The Lads.

Marcia Warren has won two Olivier Awards for roles in Stepping Out and Humble Boy. She has multiple stage and screen credits including most recently the TV drama Hattie.

Crazy For You: Final eight weeks of West End season

Wed, 25 January 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Regent's park open air theatre's highly acclaimed production of the Gershwin musical Crazy For You must end on March 17th 2012

Timothy Sheader's critically acclaimed production of George and Ira Gershwin's musical comedy Crazy for You transferred from Regent's Park Open Air Theatre to the Novello theatre on 8 October 2011. The six month season must come to an end on March 17th 2012.

With book by Ken Ludwig and packed full of Gershwin classics including "I Got Rhythm", "Someone To Watch Over Me", "Embraceable You", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", "Shall We Dance", "But Not For Me" and "Nice Work If You Can Get It", the original 1992 production won both the Tony® and Olivier Award for Best New Musical. This production was nominated for Best Night Out at the Evening Standard Awards and has also received a total of six nominations for this year's Whatsonstage.com awards.

The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production of Crazy for You is being produced in the West End by Mark Goucher, Adam Spiegel and William Village.

Stage production of The Ladykillers confirms its hit status by smashing all known box office records at the Gielgud Theatre

Fri, 06 January 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Booking has been extended until 14th April 2012

Sean Foley's production of Graham Linehan's adaptation of the classic Ealing comedy has entered the record books at the Gielgud Theatre by taking just under £400,000 in a single week. The record was set between Monday December 26th and Sunday January 1st and confirms the show as one of London's top hit shows.

The Ladykillers tells the story of the eccentric little old lady Mrs Wilberforce who lives alone with her parrots in a strange lopsided house in King's Cross. Her life is turned upside down by the arrival of Professor Marcus and his four friends, who between them make up the most unlikely group of criminals. Planning the heist of a security van, they decide to use Mrs Wilberforce as cover and involve her unwittingly in the plot. Things do not go well and the Professor's plan starts to unravel in spectacular and hilarious fashion.

This stage production of The Ladykillers has been adapted by Graham Linehan who is best known for his work on the TV comedy series Father Ted and The IT Crowd. In partnership with Arthur Mathews, Linehan has also written for Harry Enfield, Smith and Jones, Alexei Sayle, The Fast Show and Steve Coogan. Linehan's solo writing credits include work with Chris Morris on Brass Eye, Blue Jam and Jam and co-writing the first series of Black Books with Dylan Moran.

Director Sean Foley is a multi award winning stage director whose work in the West End includes Do You Come Here Often, Play What I Wrote, Ducktastic, Pinter's People and Joan Rivers: A Work In Progress. Foley has also adapted and will direct The Painkiller which will star Kenneth Brannagh and Rob Brydon at the Lyric Belfast later this year.

The cast for The Ladykillers includes the BAFTA winning Peter Capaldi who is best known for his role as Malcolm Tucker in the television series The Thick Of It. He has appeared in over forty television series and films including most recently the ITV series The Suspicions of Mr Whicher.

Playing the role of Major Courtney is James Fleet who is most famous for his role as Tom in Four Weddings And A Funeral and Hugo Horton in The Vicar of Dibley. He has also appeared in numerous stage productions including most recently Richard Bean's The Heretic at the Royal Court.

The part of Louis is played by Ben Miller, who is best known as one half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller, which has had more than ten television series since they formed in the late 1990s. Miller has also appeared in a variety of other TV series and films including Primeval (ITV), and The Parole Officer (with Steve Coogan) and Johnny English (with Rowan Atkinson).

Clive Rowe plays One Round. A hugely accomplished stage actor Rowe is also well known for his role as Duke in the BBC Children's drama The Story of Tracy Beaker. His stage roles include Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, and Feste in Twelfth Night at the Open Air Theatre Regent's Park. Clive has also become renowned for his pantomime dames as part of Hackney Empire's celebrated Christmas pantos.

The part of Harry is played by Stephen Wight. Stephen won the Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer in the Evening Standard Awards for his performances in Don Juan In Soho at the Donmar Warehouse, he also appeared in Dealer's Choice both at the Menier Chocolate Factory and in the West End and made his National Theatre debut in 2004 in Sing Yer Heart Out For The Lads.

Finally the role of Mrs Wilberforce is played by Marcia Warren who has won two Olivier Awards for roles in Stepping Out and Humble Boy. She has multiple stage and screen credits including most recently the TV drama Hattie.

The Stage Events: Showing you how it's done

Wed, 20 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Stage's new live events arm, The Stage Events, is launching with a unique series of 'How to' sessions to transform and inspire you, whatever level you are in the entertainment industry.

Each 'How to' session is focused on a specific topic to help you gain insider knowledge and get the edge on the competition.

The rolling programme - the first of its kind - will run throughout the year, building on The Stage's reputation for helping and championing newcomers and professionals in the industry.

Whether you're a student trying to get your first professional role, a full-time performer wanting to top-up your knowledge, a would-be stage manager wanting advice or a parent with a child who dreams of acting, there's a session for you.

The three-hour sessions are led by experts working in the industry and are open to everyone aged over 16 - you don't need to be a member of an organisation, there's no upper age limit and you don't need to send a CV or bring headshots. Book your place at thestage.co.uk/events.

The sessions will be held in West End theatres, with plans to expand the programme across the UK. The Stage Events is also in talks with the host theatres to offer additional extras, such as backstage tours.

Each 'How to' session is only #39 plus VAT - a low price so everyone can get access to advice from top experts at exciting venues, all organised by The Stage, an established name you can trust.

The rolling programme will feature more than 100 sessions a year, with morning ones repeated in the afternoon to fit in with your schedule, and there are nine topics covered by the first set. Titles include 'How to fund your training', 'How to get seen by the right people', 'How to nail your audition' and 'How to work with agents'. The programme will eventually expand to more than 40 different titles a year.

Each session will include time for a Q&A, so you can get some individual advice and feedback as well as learn-ing from the talk itself. One of the speakers at the sessions, children's casting director Jo Hawes, says: "The new initiative being run by The Stage is going to be a fantastic way for professionals to further their knowledge about their particular area.

"In my case, parents are often pushed by their children to find out about auditions and they often do not realise what they are taking on. So to be able to offer them the opportunity to learn more and make an informed decision before they agree to their children auditioning is a much-needed and exciting initiative."

The Stage's education and training editor Susan Elkin, who will be speaking about how to find routes into the industry, says: "Anyone wanting to break into the performing arts industry needs, especially in these cash-strapped times, information and tips about the pros and cons of various sorts of training and how to pay for it. We've often touched on these subjects in The Stage and on our website. Now we're packaging what we know into in-depth seminars. If you're a wannabe or the parent of one, these are opportunities you can't afford to miss."

Other experts in the series include director Thomas Hescott, theatre producer and artistic director Neil McPherson and photographer Michael Wharley. Wharley explains: "There are so many workshops out there, it can be hard to know who to trust. With these 'How to' sessions, experts across the spectrum of the industry are giving you practical, impartial advice to keep you ahead of the competition and to advance your career. It all comes backed up by the weight and expertise of The Stage, which has been at the heart of the business for many years."

The first session, 'How to nail your audition', will be held on February 7. It's an essential toolkit for all performers and aspiring performers for the audition process, and will be led by casting director Richard Evans, a member of the Casting Directors' Guild. Aspects covered in the event - which is not a casting session or audition - will include places to look for auditions, pre-audition research and how to prepare for the role, as well as the low-down on the casting process, making an entrance and how to handle the audition itself. It will also explain recalls, what to expect from the waiting room, how to deal with nerves and the next steps to take after auditions. Places are limited, so book your seat early.

Evans explains why the sessions could help. "In our competitive and overcrowded industry, it has never been as important for every performer to raise their game and be ahead of the competition in order to achieve success," he says.

"These 'How to' sessions, hosted by The Stage - the oldest and most respected publication for the entertainment industry - offer essential skills and inside knowledge to maximise your chances."

Robert West, head of programmes for the National Skills Academy for Creative Culture, welcomes the launch of The Stage Events. He says: "The Stage 'How to' events programme will be an essential addition to the opportunities available for people looking to develop their career in the creative sector. Whether you're looking to find out how to stand out at an audition, how to develop a career backstage or how to fund your training, The Stage 'How to' events are bringing to life the know-how you need to find your way and succeed."

The series of 'How to' sessions is just the first part of The Stage Events' plans. For information about upcoming events and live sessions, keep an eye on the newspaper and thestage.co.uk/events or email events@thestage.co.uk.

Major Cast Changes in The Phantom of the Opera

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

THE SMASH HIT ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER MUSICAL "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" AT HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE

EARL CARPENTER TO RETURN TO THE ROLE OF 'THE PHANTOM'
FROM MONDAY 12 DECEMBER 2011 UNTIL SATURDAY 17 MARCH 2012

AND

PETER JÖBACK TO STAR AS 'THE PHANTOM'
FROM MONDAY 19 MARCH UNTIL SATURDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2012

Major cast changes will take place in the smash hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. From Monday 12 December 2011 Earl Carpenter will return to the role of 'The Phantom', and from Monday 19 March Peter Jöback will star as 'The Phantom'. From Monday 16 January Katy Treharne will also join the company as 'Christine' at certain performances.

John Owen-Jones and Katie Hall both leave the production at Her Majesty's Theatre to prepare for their roles in the spectacular new production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA premiering at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in March 2012, prior to its national tour.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA continues to star Sofia Escobar as 'Christine', Killian Donnelly as 'Raoul', Wendy Ferguson as 'Carlotta', Barry James as 'Monsieur Firmin', Gareth Snook as 'Monsieur André', Cheryl McAvoy as 'Madame Giry', Jeremy Secomb as 'Piangi' and Anna Forbes as 'Meg Giry'.

Earl Carpenter's recent credits include 'Perón' in the European Tour of "Evita", 'Commander Khashoggi' in the UK Tour of "We Will Rock You" and 'Javert' in both the West End production and the 25th Anniversary Tour of "Les Misérables". He has previously played 'The Phantom' in the West End production of "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" as well as the starring role of 'Darryl Van Horne' in "The Witches of Eastwick" at the Prince of Wales Theatre, also in the West End. His other touring credits include 'Joe Gillis' in "Sunset Boulevard".

Peter Jöback is a platinum-selling Swedish recording artist and performer. No stranger to the London stage, Peter played 'Chris' in Cameron Mackintosh's original production of "Miss Saigon", and created the role of 'Michael' in "The Witches of Eastwick", both at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Peter also took part in the recent 25th Anniversary celebrations of "Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall", performing alongside Sarah Brightman during the spectacular curtain call. Peter Jöback also created the role of 'Robert' in the Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson musical "Kristina från Duvemåla" (The Emigrants), which was seen by over 1 million Swedes. As a recording artist, Peter has been awarded gold and platinum discs for all of his releases as well as several Grammy nominations.

Katy Treharne made her professional stage debut in the ensemble of "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" in 2009.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA became the longest running show in Broadway history on 9 January 2006 when it celebrated its 7,486th performance, surpassing the previous record holder "Cats". This coincided with the Broadway and the US national touring company celebrating an unprecedented 20,000 performances in the United States. In October 2010 the London production celebrated its 10,000th performance.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has won over 60 major theatre awards, including seven Tonys on Broadway and three Olivier Awards in the West End. It won the 'Most Popular Musical Audience Award', voted by the public, in the 2002 Laurence Olivier Awards. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, which opened at Her Majesty's Theatre on 9 October 1986 starred Michael Crawford as 'The Phantom' and Sarah Brightman as 'Christine.' It is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Theatre Company Limited.

Worldwide, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has grossed over £3.2 billion. The box office revenues are higher than any film or stage play in history, including "Titanic", "ET" and "Star Wars". It has been seen in 145 cities in 27 countries and played to over 130 million people. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is currently showing in London, New York, Budapest, Las Vegas, and Kyoto.

Performance times for "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" are Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm, with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets are priced from £20.75-£62.50 and are available from Her Majesty's Theatre box office on 0844 412 2707 or visit "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" website www.thephantomoftheopera.com.

For further press information please contact Simon Raw or Mark Senior on 020 7637 8866 simon@rawpr.co.uk/mark@rawpr.co.uk.

ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES WEST END TRANSFERS

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES WEST END TRANSFERS OF TWO WORLD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL PRODUCTIONS IN 2012

Gregory Doran's Julius Caesar and Iqbal Khan's Much Ado About Nothing to transfer to the Noël Coward Theatre from August next year.

SUPPORTED BY BP, FOUNDING PRESENTING PARTNER

As part of the World Shakespeare Festival for the London 2012 Festival, the RSC is presenting a number of productions including Julius Caesar, directed by RSC Chief Associate Director, Gregory Doran, and Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Iqbal Khan.

These two shows both premiere in Stratford-upon-Avon during next summer in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Courtyard Theatre respectively. They will then transfer for straight runs, back to back, at Delfont Mackintosh's Noël Coward Theatre in London from late August through to October (dates to be announced). This London season is supported by BP, Founding Presenting Partner of the World Shakespeare Festival.

Doran's Julius Caesar finds dark contemporary echoes in modern Africa, and the cast will include Adjoa Andoh, Ray Fearon, Paterson Joseph, Jeffery Kissoon and Joseph Mydell. It will be designed by Michael Vale, with music by Akintayo Akinbode, lighting by Vince Herbert, sound by Jonathan Ruddick, and fight direction by Kev McCurdy.

Iqbal Khan makes his RSC directorial debut with Much Ado, which will transpose Shakespeare's unsettling comedy of love and deceit to an Indian setting with Meera Syal in the leading role of Beatrice.

Vikki Heywood, RSC Executive Director, said:

"I am delighted that the RSC is able to bring these two productions to the West End during the summer of 2012, with the generous support of BP, Founding Presenting Partner of the World Shakespeare Festival. The productions will join our What Country Friends Is This? season at the Roundhouse, as part of our contribution to the World Shakespeare Festival, for London 2012 Festival. It's great to be working with Delfont Mackintosh once again and we look forward to a London summer full of Shakespeare."

Sir Cameron Mackintosh said:

"We are delighted to be hosting the RSC's West End contribution to the World Shakespeare Festival for the Cultural Olympiad with these two exciting productions. Not only is it a pleasure to be continuing our long standing relationship with the RSC but, personally, I am delighted that Meera Syal in Much Ado is to play Beatrice and is also this year's Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre for my Chair at Oxford University."

By Harriet

Jackie Mason - Fearless! Final UK tour

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:30:00 GMT

US Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winning comedy legend, Jackie Mason, today announces his farewell UK tour, giving British fans their last chance to see him live on stage.

Widely regarded one of the greatest stand-up comics of all time, he is still playing to rave reviews and packed houses from Vegas to Miami to Atlantic City. But Mason has now decided to hang up his mic - at least outside the USA. On making his announcement, Jackie said: "I'd like to say a fond farewell to Britain, but unfortunately I don't know where it is."

2012 is US election year and his brand new show - FEARLESS! - will include Jackie's daily updates on the Presidential race, a merciless look at British politics plus his brilliant comments on daily life - both here and across the Atlantic.

Audiences can expect to hear plenty about: Obama, Sarah Palin, Hilary Clinton, David Cameron, twitter, the economic crisis, Facebook, the Olympic Games, the war in Afghanistan etc. Jackie's passion is politics, but he has plenty of ammunition for other subjects.

As Jackie says "If it's in the news, it's in the show!"

FEARLESS! will run for a strictly limited 5-week season at the Wyndham's Theatre in the West End from 13th February 2012 till 17th March. Monday to Saturday 8.00pm and Saturday matinée at 3.00pm.

Jackie Mason says of his final UK tour:

"The truth is, I now have all the money I need. Unless I want to buy something."

By Harriet

Al Murray, The Pub Landlord announces festive fun with Christmas line up

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:30:00 GMT

Ho! Ho! Ho! In the words of SLADE, "It's Christmaaaaaaaaaas", and to see punters through to the festive season AL MURRAY, THE PUB LANDLORD has a Christmas themed show this December.

AL MURRAY'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER

Kicking off the festivities is Al Murray's Christmas Cracker at the Queen's Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, on the 11th December 2011. With feature guest sets from ANDI OSHO and CRAIG CAMPBELL THE GUV will be turning his attention to the current needs of his beautiful British public to get his punters into the Christmas spirit.

THE PUB LANDLORD says, "Christmas is coming! The goose is getting fat! The kids are demanding electronic crap they won't even remember in January! What you need is a last minute winter warmer before you disappear into the black hole of enforced festive fun! Join me and my very special guests for the Pub Landlord's Christmas Cracker".

AL's Christmas show follows hot on the heels of a packed 2011 which saw the THE GUV extend his live tour into the spring and autumn, as well as recording a version of the show for a critically acclaimed series for the channel Dave.

By Harriet

Frank Skinner and Friends

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:15:00 GMT

It was announced today (24th October 2011) that Frank Skinner and Friends - a night of comedy, cabaret and music all on one bill in London's West End and brought to you by multi-award winning comedian FRANK SKINNER - will commence a two week run from 23rd January 2012.

Each night will feature four different acts. Expect everything from top comedy to swing bands, beatboxing, opera, juggling, and even a little bit of magic, all compered by host FRANK SKINNER. Confirmed acts for Frank Skinner and Friends include everyone from comedians AL MURRAY - THE PUB LANDLORD, RICHARD HERRING, ROISIN CONATY (Best Newcomer, Edinburgh Festival), BRENDON BURNS (Edinburgh Comedy Award winner), ISY SUTTIE, NICK HELM (nominated this year for the Edinburgh Comedy Award), ANDY ZALTZMAN, PHIL NICHOL (Edinburgh Comedy Award winner), ALUN COCHRANE and TOM DEACON, to cabaret duo FRISKY & MANNISH, BEARDYMAN, THE MAGNETS and rapper DOC BROWN.

The limited two week run follows the triple-extended sell-out success; Frank Skinner's Credit Crunch Cabaret, which saw a variety of performances from a host of award-winning acts.

WHAT THE PRESS SAID ABOUT...

FRANK SKINNER'S CREDIT CRUNCH CABARET:

"Skinner is the ideal compere for this event: a comic everyman and a great ad-libber."
Brian Logan, The Guardian

"An ambitious enterprise and the opening night did not disappoint. Skinner was in his element as compere, tack-sharp and topical... deserves a financier-sized bonus for his efforts... one would have to be clinically depressed not to enjoy an evening like this."
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard

Frank Skinner and Friends is at the Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin's Lane, every night at 8.00pm from 23rd January until 5th February 2012.

By Harriet

Ramin Karimloo to star in LES MISERABLES

Thur, 27 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Ramin Karimloo will star as 'Jean Valjean' in the legendary musical LES MISÉRABLES at the Queen's Theatre from Tuesday 29 November 2011 - Saturday 3 March 2012. Ramin joins the current West End company which includes Hadley Fraser as 'Javert', Caroline Sheen as 'Fantine', Alexia Khadime as 'Eponine', Craig Mather as 'Marius', Cameron Blakely as 'Thénardier', Katy Secombe as 'Madame Thénardier', Liam Tamne as 'Enjolras' and Lisa-Anne Wood as 'Cosette'.

Ramin Karimloo most recently played the role of 'The Phantom' in the 25th Anniversary celebrations of "The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall", a role he has previously played in the West End. Other theatre credits include creating the role of 'The Phantom' in "Love Never Dies" (2011 Olivier Award Nominee and Winner of the 2011 What's On Stage Award, both for 'Best Actor in a Musical'). No stranger to LES MISÉRABLES, Ramin has previously played 'Enjolras' in the West End, a role he also had the privilege of performing in "Les Misérables - A Special Concert at Windsor Castle" to celebrate the centenary of the Entente Cordiale, in front of Her Majesty The Queen. He also played the role in the 25th Anniversary celebration of "Les Misérables at The 02". Other theatre credits include 'Chris' in "Miss Saigon". Recordings include his own album "Within the Six Square Inch", the première symphonic recording of "Love Never Dies" and "The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall". Ramin has recently signed with Sony and is currently recording his first solo album.

The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the songs, "I Dreamed a Dream", "On My Own", "Stars", "Bring Him Home", "Do You Hear the People Sing?", "One Day More", "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables", "Master Of The House" and many more.

LES MISÉRABLES originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on 8 October 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on 4 December 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen's Theatre on 3 April 2004. When LES MISÉRABLES celebrated its 21st London birthday on 8 October 2006, it became the World's Longest Running Musical, surpassing the record previously held by "Cats" in London's West End. In January 2010, the West End production broke another record by celebrating its historic 10,000th performance.

Seen by nearly 60 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 21 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the world's most popular musicals ever written, with new productions continually opening around the globe, with seven more currently scheduled. There have been 36 cast recordings of LES MISÉRABLES, including the multi-platinum London cast recording, the Grammy Award-winning Broadway cast and complete symphonic albums and the recently released live recording of the New 25th Anniversary Production. The video of the 10th Anniversary Royal Albert Hall Gala Concert has sold millions of copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling musical videos ever in the UK. There are over 2,500 productions of the Les Misérables School's Edition scheduled or being performed by over 125,000 school children in the UK, US and Australia, making it the most successful musical ever produced in schools. Cameron Mackintosh is currently developing a film of LES MISÉRABLES with Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan of Working Title and Universal Studios.

Cameron Mackintosh's production of LES MISÉRABLES is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel and additional material by James Fenton. The original London 1985 production of LES MISÉRABLES was adapted and directed by Trevor Nunn and John Caird.

By Harriet

MAMMA MIA! to transfer to the Novello Theatre!

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:01:52 GMT

Following record-breaking runs at the Prince Edward and Prince of Wales Theatres in London's West End, the flagship production of the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! will move to the Novello Theatre in September 2012.

To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen by more than 50 million people in 34 productions in 14 different languages grossing more than $2 billion at the box office. MAMMA MIA! the Movie is the highest grossing musical film and one in four households in the UK have the DVD.

MAMMA MIA!'s original creator and producer, Judy Craymer, said the following about the next step for the pioneering London production: "I am delighted that the original production of MAMMA MIA! will move to the stage of the beautiful Novello Theatre. It is a perfect space for the musical. The Novello is a gem of a theatre that perfectly suits the creative needs of MAMMA MIA!, and provides a comfortable and friendly experience for audiences in the heart of Theatreland."

From West End to global phenomenon, the London production of MAMMA MIA! has now been seen by more than 1 in 10 of the entire UK population. It's one of only 5 musicals in history to have run for more than 10 years on both Broadway and in the West End.

MAMMA MIA! has also recently become the first Western musical ever to be staged in the People's Republic of China - in Chinese. The show opened in Shanghai in July this year with a Mandarin-speaking cast and heralded a new era of musical theatre in China.

With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.

MAMMA MIA! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.

By Harriet

Coward at the Coward!

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:06:17 GMT

For the first time since its renaming and refurbishment, one of Noël Coward's most well known plays will be performed at the Noël Coward Theatre. Howard Davies is to direct Lindsay Duncan in Coward's Hay Fever, reuniting the director and actor who together received seven major international theatre awards for their 2001 collaboration on Coward's Private Lives. Duncan is joined by Jeremy Northam, Kevin McNally and Olivia Colman in Coward's sublime comedy of bad manners.

Running at the Noël Coward Theatre from 10 February - 2 June 2012, Hay Fever has designs by Bunny Christie, lighting by Mark Henderson and sound by Mike Walker. Press preview performances are Thursday 23 February at 7pm, Friday 24 February and Saturday 25 February at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, with reviews embargoed until Monday 27 February 2012. Hay Fever is produced in the West End by Richard Willis, Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions. Further casting will be announced shortly.

Judith Bliss, once glittering star of the London stage, now in early retirement, is still enjoying life with more than a little high drama and the occasional big scene. To spice her weekend up, Judith invites a young suitor to join her in the country. However, her novelist husband, David, and her two eccentric children, Simon and Sorel, have had the same idea for themselves and any hope for private flirtation disappears as the family's guests begin to arrive. Misjudged meetings, secret seductions and scandalous revelations all run riot at the most outrageous of all house parties.

In 1920 Noël Coward made his stage debut at what was then known as the New Theatre in his own first play, I'll Leave It To You. In 1973 the theatre was renamed the Albery and subsequently, in 2001, Lindsay Duncan and Alan Rickman played Amanda and Elyot in Coward's Private Lives to great critical acclaim. In June 2006 the theatre was renamed once again as the Noël Coward Theatre when the building underwent major refurbishment including the naming of the two principal dressing rooms as Noël and Gertie, the latter being Coward's favourite leading lady, Gertrude Lawrence.

Cameron Mackintosh said: "I'm delighted to be able to have our first Coward play at the theatre since it was renamed after The Master. Truly one of Noël's masterpieces, Hay Fever promises to be as great an evening at this theatre as Howard Davies' Private Lives a few years ago, also starring the delicious Lindsay Duncan. I am also delighted to welcome to the salon of the Prince of Wales Theatre, Noël's beloved grand piano on which he composed so many of his wonderful songs. His talent to amuse lives on forever."

Playwright, composer, director and actor Noël Coward wrote Hay Fever in 1924 and it was first produced a year later at the Ambassadors Theatre. Coward wrote over 50 plays during his career including Private Lives, Design for Living, Present Laughter, Blithe Spirit and Hay Fever. His many compositions include Mad Dogs and Englishmen, A Room with a View and Mrs Worthington, and his film credits include Brief Encounter, The Vortex and The Italian Job. Coward was knighted in 1970.

Double Olivier award-winner Lindsay Duncan (Judith Bliss) has worked extensively for the National Theatre where her credits include Plenty, The Homecoming and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and for the Royal Shakespeare Company in productions including A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merry Wives of Windsor and Les Liaisons Dangereuses. In the West End she has been seen in The Cryptogram, That Face and Noel Coward's Private Lives. For the Royal Court her credits include the original production of Top Girls as well as Ashes to Ashes and Mouth to Mouth. For the Almeida Theatre her credits include Celebration and The Room. On television she has recently appeared as Alex Cairns in Black Mirror - The National Anthem and The Duchess of York in Rupert Goold's Richard II. Her other television credits also include White Heat, Dr Who, the title role in Margaret, as well as Lost in Austen, Longford, Rome, Shooting the Past and Perfect Strangers, The Rector's Wife, A Year in Provence, GBH and Traffik. Her film credits include Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, Starter For Ten, Mansfield Park, An Ideal Husband and Prick Up Your Ears.

Olivier award-wining Jeremy Northam (Richard Greatham) was most recently on stage at the Donmar Warehouse in Old Times. His other theatre credits include Love's Labour's Lost and The Country Wife for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Certain Young Men for the Almeida Theatre and The Voysey Inheritance at the National Theatre. He has most recently been seen on television in Stephen Poliakoff's Glorious 39 and as Thomas Moore in The Tudors. His other television credits include White Heat and Journey's End. Northam's film credits include Creation, Dean Spanley, A Cock and Bull Story, Gosford Park (in which he played Ivor Novello), The Winslow Boy, An Ideal Husband, Happy Texas, Possession, Emma, The Net and Carrington.

Kevin McNally's (David Bliss) most recent stage credits were as Claudius in Hamlet and Lebedev in Ivanov, both for the Donmar Warehouse at Wyndham's Theatre. Previously his extensive theatre credits include Boeing Boeing, The Lady in the Van, Naked, Dead Funny and The Iceman Cometh. On television he can soon be seen in ITV1's Downton Abbey. His other television credits include New Tricks, Life On Mars, Margaret, Bloodlines, Dunkirk, Spooks, Shackleton, Rab C Nesbitt, Enigma and Diana. McNally's many film credits include the role of Joshamee Gibbs, Captain Jack Sparrow's first mate in The Pirates of the Caribbean films, The Raven (to be released next Spring), Valkyrie, De-Lovely, The Phantom of the Opera, Johnny English, Sliding Doors, Irish Jam and Entrapment.

Olivia Colman's (Myra Arundel) theatre credits include England People Very Nice for the National Theatre, The Three Some for the Lyric Hammersmith and A Long Day's Journey Into Night at the Lyric Theatre. Her upcoming film credits include The Iron Lady directed by Phylidda Lloyd and Hyde Park on Hudson. Her other film credits include Tyrannosaur, Dog Altogether, Grow Your Own, I Could Never Be Your Woman and Hot Fuzz. On television she is best known for playing Sophie Chapman in the Peep Show series and Harriet Schulenburg in the Green Wing series. Her other television credits include The Baader Meinhof Gang series, Exile, Doctor Who, Beautiful People, Consuming Passion, That Mitchell and Webb Look, Hancock and Joan, Love Soup, Much Ado About Nothing, Ny-Lon and The Office.

Multi award-winning Howard Davies is an Associate Director of the National Theatre where his many productions include The Cherry Orchard, The White Guard, Burnt by the Sun, The Taking Cure, Flight, Present Laughter and Mourning Becomes Electra. For the Almeida Theatre, where he was also Associate Director, his productions include Period of Adjustment, The Play About the Baby, The Iceman Cometh and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? At the Royal Shakespeare Company he produced 26 new plays in 4 years at the Warehouse Theatre which he established and ran. His other RSC credits include The General from America, Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Jail Diary of Albie Sachs. In the West End Davies' directing credits include All My Sons, The Breath of Life and Noel Coward's Private Lives. His many Broadway transfers include A Moon for the Misbegotten, The Iceman Cometh, My Fair Lady, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof and Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

By Harriet

Last 5 weeks of Yes, Prime Minister in the West End!

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:41:25 GMT

One of the most successful comedies in recent years, Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn's Yes, Prime Minister has played to sell out audiences at Chichester Festival Theatre and the Gielgud Theatre last year followed by a UK wide tour this Spring and a run at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. On September 17, the production packed up at the Apollo and moved next door back into The Gielgud Theatre where the production will finish its run on 19 November.

Winning the Whatsonstage.com award for Best New Comedy, the recession-busting West End production of Yes, Prime Minister continues to demonstrate that the public have an insatiable appetite for the sharp political comedy that made the television series such colossal hits.

The signature roles of Prime Minister Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby performed by Richard McCabe and Simon Williams who continue to grapple with a country in financial and political meltdown.

Since it opened in the summer of 2010, Yes, Prime Minister has attracted an array of political figures including Chris Huhne, Theresa May, Lord Lawson, Iain Duncan Smith, Eric Pickles, Diane Abbott and John Bercow, making it the talk of the corridors of power. The original TV series ran across eighteen years with a total of 38 episodes. Particularly popular in Australia and New Zealand, plans are underway for the stage play to open at The Melbourne Theatre Company in February 2012.

By Harriet

'MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET' TO PLAY FINAL 14 WEEKS IN THE WEST END

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:15:36 GMT

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will play its final performance at London's Noël Coward Theatre on Saturday 14 January 2012 whilst producers make plans for a major tour of the UK and Ireland. The London production has already been seen by over 200,000 people, played over 250 performances and grossed in excess of £5 million at the Box Office since its West End premiere.

A statement on behalf of the producers: "We've enjoyed a fantastic year in the West End and audiences have been amazing. We'd like to thank our cast of extraordinarily talented actors and musicians as well as the great company and crew who have all helped raise the roof of the Noël Coward Theatre night after night. We're now looking forward to taking this great show to audiences all across the UK and Ireland."

Productions of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET are currently playing in New York and Chicago. A major North American tour premieres this week (11 October 2011) in Cleveland, Ohio.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET tells the electrifying story of the night in 1956 when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis came together to make music and ended up making history.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET stars Bill Ward as Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, Ben Goddard as Jerry Lee Lewis, Derek Hagen as Johnny Cash, Francesca Jackson as Dyanne, Michael Malarkey as Elvis Presley and Oliver Seymour-Marsh as Carl Perkins. At certain performances the role of Jerry Lee Lewis is played by Matthew Empson, Johnny Cash by Justin Brett and Elvis Presley by Kevin Mains.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET features 23 classic hits including: Blue Suede Shoes, Folsom Prison Blues, Fever, Down By The Riverside, Sixteen Tons, I Walk The Line, Let's Have a Party, I Hear You Knocking, Great Balls Of Fire, Hound Dog and Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is directed by Eric Schaeffer, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, and was originally directed and conceived by Floyd Mutrux. The creative team also includes: Derek McLane (scenic design), Jane Greenwood (costume design), Howell Binkley (lighting design), Kai Harada (sound design) and Chuck Mead (musical arrangements and supervision).

By Harriet

JERSEY BOYS celebrates 1500 performances!

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:21:36 GMT

The smash hit musical JERSEY BOYS celebrated an incredible 1500 performances in London on Wednesday 28 September. This musical has now been seen by over 1.5 million people and is firmly established as one of the West End's longest running and most popular shows. To celebrate this amazing achievement of 1500 shows, there will be a chance for a member of the audience on the night of 6 October to win a walk-on part in JERSEY BOYS in a subsequent show. Every member of the audience will be offered the opportunity to take a raffle ticket, which will be entered into a draw, and the winner will be announced at the end of the performance by a cast member.

In London, the cast of JERSEY BOYS is led by Ryan Molloy as Frankie Valli, Matthew Wycliffe as Bob Gaudio, Jon Boydon as Tommy DeVito and Eugene McCoy as Nick Massi. Jon Lee plays the role of Frankie Valli at certain performances.

JERSEY BOYS is the remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their rise to stardom from the wrong side of the tracks. These four boys from New Jersey became one of the most successful bands in pop history, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and sold 100 million records worldwide, all before they turned 30. The show is packed with their hits, including 'Beggin'', 'Sherry', 'Walk Like A Man', 'December, 1963 (Oh What a Night)', 'Big Girls Don't Cry', 'My Eyes Adored You', 'Let's Hang On (To What We've Got)', 'Bye Bye Baby', 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You', 'Working My Way Back to You', 'Fallen Angel', 'Rag Doll' and 'Who Loves You'.

JERSEY BOYS has 54 major international awards to its name and originally opened on Broadway in 2006. The show opened in London's West End in 2008, where it has so far been seen by over 1.5 million people at more than 1300 performances. As well as still running on Broadway and in the West End, JERSEY BOYS can be seen on a National Tour of the United States and in Australia.

JERSEY BOYS is written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. The London production is staged by the entire original Broadway creative team, led by director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo. JERSEY BOYS has scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projections design by Michael Clark. The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and the music supervision and vocal arrangements by Ron Melrose.

JERSEY BOYS is produced by Dodger Theatricals, Joseph J. Grano, Tamara and Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group, in association with Latitude Link and Rick Steiner, and a small group of UK colleagues.

By Harriet

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of CRAZY FOR YOU to transfer to the Novello

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:21:36 GMT

"Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's production of CRAZY FOR YOU is simply glorious and I'm so delighted it's transferring to the West End, where even more people will have the opportunity to enjoy it as thoroughly as I did". - Dame Judi Dench, Board Member, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre smash hit Gershwin musical CRAZY FOR YOU will transfer to London's West End, opening at the Novello Theatre on Saturday 8 October. Cameron Mackintosh, who was full of praise when he saw the show in Regent's Park, is thrilled to be able to play host to the production in one of his theatres. CRAZY FOR YOU reunites director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Stephen Mear, who were responsible for the multi-award winning production of Hello, Dolly!.

CRAZY FOR YOU, with book by Ken Ludwig, is one of the most joyous musicals, with a Gershwin score containing some of the brothers' most beautiful and memorable songs, including I Got Rhythm, Someone to Watch Over Me, Embraceable You, They Can't Take That Away From Me, Shall We Dance, But Not For Me, and Nice Work If You Can Get It.

The entire company of the Regent's Park production will star in the West End run, led by theatre veterans Harriet Thorpe and David Burt, and introducing to the British stage the highly respected Broadway performer, Sean Palmer as Bobby Child, alongside Clare Foster as Polly Baker, Kim Medcalf as Irene Roth and Michael McKell as Lank. The sets and costumes are by Peter McKintosh, who also designed the Open Air Theatre's Hello, Dolly!, as well as The 39 Steps, Butley, Love Story and Luise Miller, amongst others. Lighting design is by Tim Mitchell. The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production of CRAZY FOR YOU is being produced in the West End by Mark Goucher, Adam Spiegel and William Village.

By Harriet

Dionne Bromfield will be ‘popping up’ in Million Dollar Quartet

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:21:36 GMT

BBC Children in Need is thrilled to announce that Dionne Bromfield is to join the phenomenal celebrity line-up for BBC Children in Need POP Goes the Musical in a glittering curtain call for MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET.

BBC Children in Need POP Goes the Musical 2011 is working with the best of West End Theatre and a star studded line up. This unique charity project is giving renowned celebrities from the music sphere the chance to perform a hit song with a top show, to take place in September to help raise vital funds for disadvantaged children and young people here in the UK.

The show-stopping celebrities involved in the series of unique curtain calls are the gorgeous Peter Andre performing GHOST the Musical's spectacular number 'Unchained Melody', the loveable Stacey Solomon singing the duet 'For Good' from WICKED, soul sensation Dionne Bromfield delivering a rendition of 'Why Do Fools Fall in Love' with MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, chart-toppers Sugababes will take on 'Dancing Queen' in MAMMA MIA! and the legendary Melanie C will sing the highly charged 'We Are the Champions' and 'We Will Rock You' in the Queen musical We Will Rock You.

London's brand new smash hit musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET tells the electrifying story of the night Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis came together to make music and ended up making history.

Inspired by the actual event that took place on 4th December, 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis, this engaging musical is a story of fame, friendship, discovery, professional jealousy and incredible music as four of the industry's most extraordinary talents made music together for the first and only time in their careers.

'I can't wait to get up on stage at MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for 'BBC Children in Need POP Goes the Musical'. To put my own spin on a 1950's classic, and then perform it live is just such an exciting opportunity. I can't believe that I'm getting the chance to appear on a West End stage and help disadvantaged UK kids at the same time.' - Dionne Bromfield

Don't miss out on what's set to be a week of unforgettable nights and your chance to experience a series of pop-tastic performances

By Harriet

POP goes the Musical!

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:21:36 GMT

BBC Children in Need is Thrilled to Announce a Sensational Line-Up of Celebrities to Perform for POP Goes the Musical.

BBC Children in Need is thrilled to announce the launch of 'BBC Children in Need POP Goes the Musical 2011' working with the best of the West End Theatre and a star studded line-up. This unique charity project is giving renowned celebrities from the music sphere the chance to perform a hit song from a top show, to take place in September to help raise vital funds for children and young people here in the UK.

The show-stopping celebrities involved in a series of unique curtain calls are the gorgeous Peter Andre performing GHOST the Musical's spectacular number 'Unchained Melody', the loveable Stacey Solomon for WICKED to sing 'For Good', chart-toppers Sugababes will take on 'Dancing Queen' in MAMMA MIA! And the legendary Melanie C will sing the highly charged 'We Are The Champions' and 'We Will Rock You' in the Queen musical We Will Rock You.

Don't miss out on what's set to be a week of nights to remember and your chance to experience a series of pop-tastic performances.

Bookings can be made immediately for the following dates at:

10th September 2011 - WICKED - 'popping up' is Stacey Solomon (Matinee Performance)
13th September 2011 - We Will Rock You - 'popping up' is Melanie C
14th September 2011 - GHOST the Musical - 'popping up' is Peter Andre
15th September 2011 - MAMMA MIA! - 'popping up' is Sugababes

Tickets for 'BBC Children in Need POP Goes the Musical 2011' are available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/. Prices start from £25 with proceeds going to BBC Children in Need.

"I'm so excited to be a part of the musical WICKED. I went to see the show and was completely blown away by the costumes and performances. It's going to be scary to get up on a West End stage but I'm so happy to take on the challenge and get involved in BBC Children in Need POP Goes the Musical." - Stacey Solomon

"I am so excited to be taking part in 'Pop Goes The Musical' for this year's BBC Children In Need, especially as I will be performing with the cast of the incredible show, We Will Rock You. I have always been a huge Queen fan and standing on the stage of the Dominion Theatre to sing one of the band's anthems is an absolute honour and a great way raise money for such a fantastic charity." - Melanie C

"I was so impressed when I went to see GHOST the Musical. It was one of the best shows I've ever seen. So when I was approached by BBC Children In Need to get involved, I jumped at the chance and just hope that I can do it justice! The cast are great so it'll be so much fun working with them and raising money for an amazing cause all at the same time." - Peter Andre

"We're so excited to be part of BBC Children In Need this year. It's such a great cause and helps so many people and to be able to join the cast of MAMMA MIA!, one of the West End's most famous musicals, is a real honour for us." - Sugababes

BBC Children in Need changes the lives of some of the most disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK. The charity supports children in the UK facing a range of disadvantages including poverty and deprivation, young people with disabilities and children who have been victims of abuse or neglect.

Due to this incredible generosity of the public, in 2010 BBC Children in Need has awarded £40 million to change young lives and this year we need your help to beat this total!.

By Harriet

Betty Blue Eyes to end it’s run on the 24th September

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:21:36 GMT

Cameron Mackintosh's musical comedy BETTY BLUE EYES, based on the Alan Bennett and Malcolm Mowbray film ‘A Private Function’, will close at the Novello Theatre on Saturday 24 September 2011 after a run of six months.

After receiving some of the best reviews seen for a brand new musical in the past 20 years and despite an enormously enthusiastic reaction from audiences each night, the new musical has failed to attract an audience in sufficient numbers to remain economically viable. It seems that the prevailing economic uncertainties nationally are leading audiences to take less risks on spending their money on new and unknown work and to seek refuge in safe and familiar titles and material. It is, perhaps, significant that ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ continue to play to packed houses every night.

Cameron Mackintosh said, "It is very curious - after such amazing reviews and positive word of mouth, no-one knows the real reason why Betty couldn't find a bigger audience. We have been consistently playing to just over 50 percent but it just isn't enough to cover the costs. Of course I am disappointed but I'm not despondent, I am enormously proud of Betty. I know that she will eventually have her day and another life".

All patrons who have booked tickets for performances after 24 September should contact their point of purchase.

By Harriet

Celebrate the life of Elvis Presley with Million Dollar Quartet

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:21:36 GMT

CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF ELVIS PRESLEY WITH
THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
Celebrate the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll throughout August with the smash hit musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET.

Described by music icon Rod Stewart as "Rock 'n' Roll at its purest - a wonderful night out!", the international hit musical has been "taking the West End by storm" (Daily Mail) with its electrifying true story of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips and the night his 'million dollar quartet' of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis played together for the first and only time.

On Tuesday 16 August, to mark the anniversary of Elvis's passing, the first fifty Elvis fanatics to arrive at the theatre from 7pm dressed as The King will be given a free pair of tickets for that evening's performance. Then also, for a limited period of two weeks until the end of August, fans will be able to book best available tickets for just £35 by simply quoting "ELVIS".

Join the thrill of experiencing such classic Elvis songs as Blue Suede Shoes, Long Tall Sally and Hound Dog alongside other greats such as I Walk The Line, Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On. The incredible cast play over twenty hit songs live each night with an infectious energy that has audiences dancing-in-the-aisles!

Join the party at London's most rockin' "feel-good crowd-pleaser!" (The Times) and relive a hit parade packed with brilliant songs from a golden era of music

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is produced in the West End by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions, American Pop Anthology, John Gore, Thomas B. McGrath, Joseph Smith and Michael McCabe.

Productions of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET are playing simultaneously in London, New York and Chicago. A North American tour launches in October 2011.

By Harriet

Yes, Prime Minster returns to the Gielgud!

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:21:36 GMT

One of the most successful comedies in recent years, Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynns Yes, Prime Minister has played to sell out audiences at Chichester Festival Theatre and the Gielgud Theatre last year followed by a UK wide tour this Spring and is currently playing at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. At the end of the current run on September 17th, the production will pack up at the Apollo and move next door back into The Gielgud Theatre for a final 8 weeks.

Winning the Whatsonstage.com award for Best New Comedy, the recession-busting West End production of Yes, Prime Minister continues to demonstrate that the public have an insatiable appetite for the sharp political comedy that made the television series such colossal hits.

The signature roles of Prime Minister Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby will continue to be performed by Richard McCabe and Simon Williams as they continue to grapple with a country in financial and political meltdown.

Since it opened in the summer of 2010, Yes, Prime Minister has attracted an array of political figures including Chris Huhne, Theresa May, Lord Lawson, Iain Duncan Smith, Eric Pickles, Diane Abbott and John Bercow, making it the talk of the corridors of power. The original TV series ran across eighteen years with a total of 38 episodes. Particularly popular in Australia and New Zealand, plans are underway for the stage play to open at The Melbourne Theatre Company in February 2012.

By Harriet

The Rat Pack returns to the West End!

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:21:36 GMT

The Olivier Award-nominated The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas is coming back to the West End for a strictly limited five-week Christmas season, at the Wyndham's Theatre from December 20 - January 21.

The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas will set a new West End record when it opens at its eighth West End theatre. Premiering in London at The London Palladium, it and has since played one-off dates and full seasons at The Peacock; The Theatre Royal, Haymarket; The Strand (since renamed The Novello); The Savoy (where it celebrated its 1,000th continuous West End performance); The Adelphi; and The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Take a trip back in time in the company of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy Davis Jr to the glamorous, glitzy nights of Las Vegas in the late 1950s and early 60s. Supported by the fabulous Burrelli Sisters and The Rat Pack Big Band, you will experience Frank, Sammy & Dean as they performed at the famous Sands Hotel.

Christmas with the Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas - which is now almost as traditional as mince pies and mulled wine - will run from 20 December to 7 January, when the show features a host of seasonal classics including Baby it's Cold Outside, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland & Auld Lang Syne alongside the unforgettable Witchcraft, Mr Bojangles, I've Got You Under My Skin, That's Amore, Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime, New York, New York, Fly Me to the Moon, Sway, Volare, Me And My Shadow, My Way, Memories Are Made Of This and many more.

Then from 9 January to 21 January, the Christmas tree and decorations will be put away for another year and audiences can enjoy the original The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas.

The Sands Hotel was the very height of Las Vegas sophistication. It was there in 1960, during the filming of "Ocean's Eleven", when for the first time Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford performed together on stage. From then on, they were forever known as The Rat Pack. Las Vegas was their playground and everywhere else was known, in Rat Pack vocabulary, as 'Dullsville, Ohio'. Frank, Sammy & Dean were a force to be reckoned with, an inexhaustible energy that is as apparent in their music today as it ever was. This spectacular production celebrates the incredible singing talent of three world-famous entertainers and performers and some of the finest music and song that has ever been recorded.

If you wish you'd swung with the hardest partying pack in town, now's your chance!

By Harriet

World Premiere of new Stiles and Drewe musical, Soho Cinders, for one night only!

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:21:36 GMT

The World Premiere Concert Performance of
Stiles & Drewe's
SOHO CINDERS
an urban musical fable
Music by George Stiles. Lyrics by Anthony Drewe. Book by Anthony Drewe & Elliot Davis.

FOR ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY
IN AID OF TEENAGE CANCER TRUST
THE NOVELLO THEATRE - SUNDAY 9 OCTOBER 2011 - 7.30PM

On Sunday 9 October 2011, for one night only, there will be a special one-off concert performance of Stiles and Drewe's new musical SOHO CINDERS at the Novello Theatre, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. The concert will feature an all-star cast, including Kerry Ellis, Hannah Waddingham, Beverly Rudd, David Bedella, and Sandi Toksvig with more exciting casting still to be announced. Jonathan Butterell will direct and Stephen Mear and Drew McConie will choreograph. Tickets are on sale now!

Cinderella remixed: "Soho Cinders" is a modern musical fable with a story centred around the complicated love life of prospective Mayoral candidate James Prince, his fiancee and his law-student lover, Robbie - who's paying his college bills in a somewhat unorthodox way. A satirical comedy with a catchy contemporary new score from Stiles and Drewe, "Soho Cinders" is a truly 21st-century musical.

This special concert performance is held in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity devoted to improving the lives of teenagers and young adults with cancer. Teenage Cancer Trust aim to ensure that every young person with cancer and their family receive the best possible care and professional support throughout their cancer journey.

Kerry Ellis famously played 'Elphaba' for two years in the London production of "Wicked", and then for six months on Broadway. Other theatre credits include leading roles in "Oliver!", "Chess In Concert" at the Royal Albert Hall, "Les Miserables" and "Miss Saigon". Hannah Waddingham is currently starring as 'The Wicked Witch of the West' in "The Wizard of Oz" at the London Palladium. Other theatre credits include leading roles in "Into the Woods", "A Little Night Music" and "Monty Python's Spamalot''. Beverly Rudd can currently be seen in the Regent's Park production of "The Beggar's Opera". Previous theatre credits include "Into The Woods" and "Brief Encounter. David Bedella's credits include "Jerry Springer - The Opera" and "Chicago". He can currently be seen in "Road Show" at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Sandi Toksvig's varied career includes broadcasting, writing, presenting and comedy (she was a founder of The Comedy Store Players) and she co-wrote the musical ''Big Night Out''.

Jonathan Butterell has worked extensively as a director and choreographer in the West End and on Broadway. At the Donmar Warehouse Jonathan has choreographed "Company", "Into The Woods" and "How I Learned to Drive", and on Broadway "Lestat", "The Light in the Piazza", "Assasins", "Fiddler on the Roof", and "Nine". Jonathan has also choreographed for films including "Finding Neverland". Stephen Mear is one of the most prolific choreographers of our time, most recently choreographing "Crazy For You" (Regent's Park), "She Loves Me" (Chichester) and "Betty Blue Eyes" in the West End. Other recent credits include "Me and My Girl", "Shoes", "Sweet Charity", "Hello Dolly" (Olivier Award for Best Choreography).

George Stiles and Anthony Drewe have just celebrated 28 years of writing together. Their musicals include "Betty Blue Eyes", which received its World Premiere at the Novello Theatre in April 2011 starring Sarah Lancashire and Reece Shearsmith. They also wrote the new songs for the Cameron Mackintosh/Disney production of "Mary Poppins'' now its fifth year on Broadway (and currently also playing in Amsterdam, Sydney, and touring the USA). Their Olivier Award Winning musical "Honk!" has received over 6,000 productions worldwide and has now been seen by over six million people. Elliot Davis wrote the book and co-composed the music and lyrics for "Loserville" which is scheduled to open in the West End early 2012. Other forthcoming projects include "The Silver Tassie" at The Lincoln Centre in July 2011. He co-wrote "Once Upon A Time At The Adelphi" which won a TMA Award and "Best Friends And Butterflies" which won The Ticket Master Composer Award. He is also a prolific radio documentary writer and producer.

SOHO CINDERS will be Directed by Jonathan Butterell with Choreography by Stephen Mear and Drew McConie. Music is by George Stiles and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe, with a Book by Anthony Drewe & Elliot Davis.

Tickets start at £11, with some £100 premium seats available including a programme, drinks and an invitation to the post-show party.

More information about Teenage Cancer Trust can be found at www.teenagecancertrust.org

By Harriet

Million Dollar Quartet extends running time and adds an interval

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:21:36 GMT

'MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET' REVISES RUNNING TIME
TO 2 HOURS, ADDING A 15 MINUTE INTERVAL

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, the new hit musical that's "taking the West End by storm" (Daily Mail) at London's Noel Coward Theatre, is adding a 15 minute interval to the show from Monday 27 June 2011, with a revised running time of 2 hours.

Since its West End premiere, on 28 February 2011, this "feel-good crowd-pleaser" (The Times) has been seen by over 100,000 people and grossed in excess of £3 million at the Box Office.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET tells the electrifying story of the night in 1956 when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis came together to make music and ended up making history.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET stars Bill Ward as Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, Ben Goddard as Jerry Lee Lewis, Derek Hagen as Johnny Cash, Francesca Jackson as Dyanne, Michael Malarkey as Elvis Presley and Oliver Seymour-Marsh as Carl Perkins. At certain performances the role of Jerry Lee Lewis is played by Matthew Empson, Johnny Cash by Justin Brett and Elvis Presley by Kevin Mains.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET features over 20 classic hits including: Blue Suede Shoes, Folsom Prison Blues, Fever, Down By The Riverside, Sixteen Tons, I Walk The Line, Let's Have a Party, I Hear You Knocking, Great Balls Of Fire, Hound Dog and Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is directed by Eric Schaeffer, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, and was originally directed and conceived by Floyd Mutrux. The creative team also includes: Derek McLane (scenic design), Jane Greenwood (costume design), Howell Binkley (lighting design), Kai Harada (sound design) and Chuck Mead (musical arrangements and supervision).

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions, American Pop Anthology, John Gore, Thomas B. McGrath, Joseph Smith and Michael McCabe.

By Harriet

Broadway hit Driving Miss Daisy to transfer to the Wyndham's Theatre

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:21:36 GMT

This Autumn, the hit Broadway production, Driving Miss Daisy will open at the Wyndham's Theatre. The production will star Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones and will begin previewing in late September.

Tickets are not currently on sale but if you would like to receive further information please email Theatrenews@delfontmackintosh.co.uk with the subject 'Driving Miss Daisy'

By Harriet

Betty Blue Eyes will go ahead despite fire on the Strand

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:21:36 GMT

14th June 2011

Please be advised that tonight's performance of Betty Blue Eyes will go ahead as planned following the fire across the road at Marconi House.

Following consultation with emergency services, the Fire Brigade/Police will open up a cordon closer to the performance time which will allow patrons into the theatre via the side exits on Catherine Street. At present the main entrance on the Aldwych is closed off.

Patrons who are collecting their tickets will be able to collect them on arrival via the side exits.

If you would like to purchase tickets for this evening's performance please visit the Noel Coward Theatre box office or call 0844 482 5170.

Please be aware that it would be advisable for patrons to travel in to stations north of the Strand. To plan your Journey please visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

By Harriet

The Ladykillers comes to the West End

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:21:36 GMT

The 1955 classic Ealing comedy is this autumn brought back to life on the stage in a production that will play at the Liverpool Playhouse from November 3rd - 19th, prior to opening at the Gielgud Theatre on November 26thwith a press night on December 7th.

The Ladykillers tells the story of the eccentric little old lady Mrs Wilberforce who lives alone with her parrots in a strange lopsided house in King's Cross. Her life is turned upside down by the arrival of Professor Marcus and his four friends, who between them make up the most unlikely group of criminals. Planning the heist of a security van, they decide to use Mrs Wilberforce as cover and involve her unwittingly in the plot. Things do not go well and the Professor's plan starts to unravel in spectacular and hilarious fashion.

This stage production of The Ladykillers has been adapted by Graham Linehan who is best known for his work on the TV comedy series Father Ted and The IT Crowd. In partnership with Arthur Mathews, Linehan has also written for Harry Enfield, Smith and Jones, Alexei Sayle, The Fast Show and Steve Coogan. Linehan's solo writing credits include work with Chris Morris on Brass Eye, Blue Jam and Jam and co-writing the first series of Black Books with Dylan Moran.

Director Sean Foley is a multi award winning stage director whose work in the West End includes Do You Come Here Often, Play What I Wrote, Ducktastic, Pinter's People and Joan Rivers: A Work In Progress. Foley has also adapted and will direct The Painkiller which will star Kenneth Brannagh and Rob Brydon at the Lyric Belfast later this year.

The cast for The Ladykillers includes the BAFTA winning Peter Capaldi who is best known for his role as Malcolm Tucker in the television series The Thick Of It. He has appeared in over forty television series and films including most recently the ITV series The Suspicions of Mr Whicher.

Playing the role of Major Courtney will be James Fleet who is most famous for his role as Tom in Four Weddings And A Funeral and Hugo Horton in The Vicar of Dibley. He has also appeared in numerous stage productions including most recently Richard Bean's The Heretic at the Royal Court.

The part of Louis will be played by Ben Miller, who is best known as one half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller, which has had more than ten television series since they formed in the late 1990s. Miller has also appeared in a variety of other TV series and films including Primeval (ITV), and The Parole Officer (with Steve Coogan) and Johnny English (with Rowan Atkinson).

Clive Rowe will play One Round. A hugely accomplished stage actor Rowe is also well known for his role as Duke in the BBC Children's drama The Story of Tracy Beaker. His stage roles include Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, and Festein Twelfth Night at the Open Air Theatre Regent's Park. Clive has also become renowned for his pantomime dames as part of Hackney Empire's celebrated Christmas pantos.

The part of Harry will be played by Stephen Wight. Stephen won the Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer in the Evening Standard Awards for his performances in Don Juan In Soho at the Donmar Warehouse, he also appeared in Dealer's Choice both at the Menier Chocolate Factory and in the West End and made his National Theatre debut in 2004 in Sing Yer Heart Out For The Lads.

Finally the role of Mrs Wilberforce will be played by Marcia Warren who has won two Olivier Awards for roles in Stepping Out and Humble Boy. She has multiple stage and screen credits including most recently the TV drama Hattie.

By Harriet