Flashdance The Musical doesn’t move into the Shaftesbury Theatre until September, but tickets are now onsale. Set in Pittsburgh, USA, Flashdance tells the story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, whose dream is to obtain a place at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. Based on the 1983 film, the music embodies the era and features such hits ‘Maniac’, along with ‘Manhunt’, ‘Gloria’, and ‘I Love Rock and Roll’. And a bonus element is that ex Strictly Come Dancing Judge Arlene Phillips has choreographed all of the dance moves in this highly anticipated stage version.

Go and track down your legwarmers and high-top Reeboks. You know you want to.

Flashdance starts previewing on the 27th September at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London and is booking until the 26th February 2011. By your Flashdance tickets here.

This month, we’re doing things a little differently as we bring you an Interview with legendary British actor Sir Ian McKellen who is currently starring in Waiting for Godot in the West End.

*Click on the play Button Below to Hear the Podcast*

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*URGENT* The final performace of Waiting for Godot in London is on April 4th, prior to a world tour. Use the link below to make sure you don’t miss out.

Get Your Waiting for Godot Tickets Before They’re All Gone

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Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies officially opened last week, and the popular press finally had their say. There seems to be a bit of a love it or hate it consensus. The good reviews were positively glowing, with many 5 star ratings, something not seen for a new musical in many years.

The not so favourable reviews picked apart the story, the music and pretty much the motivation for doing a sequel at all.

Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo star in Love Never Dies

However, I have yet to come across a mediocre review. And I think that is a good thing, I certainly don’t like walking out of a show indifferent. I want to feel passionate about what I saw and have critique or praise depending on my feeling. That’s what good art should do.

Asking some of my colleagues what they thought, I pretty much got the same result. Some loved it and some hated it. I also asked them about The Phantom Of The Opera, once again some loved it and some hated it.

I haven’t seen Love Never Dies yet, but I am due to go in a few weeks. I wonder which camp I will fall into?

Love Never Dies is now booking until the 23rd October. Book your Love Never Dies Tickets here.

Thank goodness that our favourite puppets seem to be a firm West End fixture. The inhabitants of Avenue Q will be evicted from the Gielgud Theatre this Saturday, but will be resettling at the Wyndhams Theatre, which is right behind The Noel Coward Theatre, where the puppets made their West End debut!

Awwww, how cute!

Avenue Q is completely different from anything else running in the West End, and despite its eccentric characters and adult humour, it seems to have won the hearts of the British public, as it did with the folks on Broadway.

Avenue Q will re-open at the Wyndhams Theatre on the 19th March after a week long hiatus; Fortunately the same great discounts apply. Top price tickets are available for only £32.50 on Discount Theatre.

Get yourself down to Leicester Square and join the Q!

Felicity Kendal will star in Mrs. Warren's Profession at The Comedy Theatre

The profession in question is the catalyst for the events of the play. Mrs Warren’s daughter has led a life of relative privilege, but as she moves into adulthood, she begins to question just how her mother was able to provide this life.

The play has long been on students’ reading lists and a source of insight into the late 19th century British society. The Victorian public image remains noble, but privately a fascinating underbelly is also presented, realising the duality of the era.

Felicity Kendall, who is appearing quite frequently in the West End these days, will play the infamous Mrs Warren. She’s a fantastic actress and will add an extra element to this classic.

Discount tickets are available for Mrs Warren’s Profession for midweek performances until the 15th April; top price tickets normally £48.75 are reduced £38.75.

Buy your Mrs Warren’s Profession tickets here.

Lloyd Webber is going to be a pretty busy guy in the next couple of months. First off, Love Never Dies has started previewing at the Adelphi Theatre and will have its press night on the 9th March. Even though the composer has asserted that Love Never Dies is not a sequel to The Phantom Of the Opera and is a standalone piece, most theatregoers are still referring to the new musical as Phantom 2. There’s no doubt that the show is going to sell out, but will it be any good? The popular press will express their views in a few weeks’ time.

Who will win the chance to walk down the yellow brick road?

In addition to launching a brand new show, the classic story, The Wizard Of Oz is about to be resurrected, thanks to the Lord and BBC reality TV. Over The Rainbow is set to start in a few weeks time; the aim is to choose a feisty unknown actress to play the role of Dorothy. This will be the fourth incarnation of the BBC reality show, having previously broadcast the competition to cast leads in The Sound Of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and Oliver!

The sing off format for Over The Rainbow will be the same, but I was shocked to hear that the judges panel will look very different. Denise Van Outen will not be back, having gone off and married Lee Mead (a previous contestant and eventual winner, soon to star in Wicked) and is soon to give birth to their first child. More shocking is the absence of John Barrowman. What will we do without his constant shouting of ‘fantastic, fantastic, fantastic!’ whilst jumping up out of his seat?

Instead, the judges panel will consist of Sheila Hancock, currently starring as Mother Superior in Sister Act, Charlotte Church, who will probably provide some boisterous comedic moments, and John Partridge (Christian from Eastenders) who has starred in many West End productions over the last 20 years.

My money is on John Partridge to steal the show.

If history repeats, The Wizard of Oz will follow in the success of earlier shows promoted by the reality contest and become the highest grossing musical of 2010. Keep a close eye out for when the production goes on sale; I can guarantee that the first booking period will sell out instantaneously.

Love Never Dies is now previewing and is booking until 23rd October 2010. Over The Rainbow will soon be shown on Saturday nights on BBC1.

Songs from musicals feature in the television program Glee

I had heard the buzz regarding the new show Glee, but didn’t really take much notice. Did I really want to watch another American high school show that portrayed a totally unrealistic view of the rather traumatic place that high school really is? With Gossip Girl and 90210 already occupying my time, I dismissed the idea immediately. But when I visited my sister in Canada at Christmas time, Glee was the topic on everyone’s lips - she was raving about the show. I knew that it was set to premiere in the UK soon, and when I saw the adverts on E4, I recorded some episodes for a rainy day.

I finally got around to watching some of the show this weekend…..and it is fantastic. I had no idea that every episode features songs from musicals as well as contemporary chart toppers. So far, I have heard renditions of You’re The One That I Want from Grease, Mr Cellophane from Chicago, Maybe This Time from Cabaret, and On My Own from Les Miserables. And apparently in one of the coming episodes the cast sings Defying Gravity from Wicked.

Combined with edgy humour, Glee is the perfect balance between hip comedy and musical revue. Yes the characters are stereotypes (think jock, cheerleader and primadonna) but how else do you visually portray the complexities of the high school hierarchy so easily?

Despite its comedic narrative and characters, at its core, I think Glee is a great promoter of musical theatre; just as Subo’s performances of I Dreamed a Dream managed to breathe a new life into Les Miserables, this show highlights some great musical theatre numbers that are not usually emphasised in mainstream media. 

Next episode is on tonight….I can’t wait.

"Defying Gravity" from Wicked will feature in an upcoming Glee episode

This month, we bring you the news and gossip, including:

• An Ibsen classic about to open at the Duchess Theatre
• The Sex and The City star returning to perform in the West End
• And the reality TV contestants who are to play the lead roles in Wicked.
• Firstly, let’s find out what’s been happening in the world of theatre over the last little while

*Click on the play Button Below to Hear the Podcast*

Download audio file (podcast7.mp3)

We’ll be back next month with more news, reviews and interviews about all of the events happening in London’s West End. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out www.discounttheatre.com, for great offers to suit everyone. Until next time…

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As I was perusing the current list of shows the other day, there’s a fair bunch or classic plays on offer or coming soon; names like Samuel Beckett, Henrik Ibsen and Arthur Miller will always pique my interest. 

Waiting For Godot at the Theatre Royal Haymarket is a no brainer, many call it the best play of the twentieth century. With Ian McKellen’s name above the title, and excellent reviews, this production shouldn’t be missed.

Henrik Iben’s Ghosts is being revived at the Duchess and stars Lesley Sharpe and Iain Glen; and Tennessee Williams’ Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, starring the great James Earl Jones is enjoying a popular run at the Novello Theatre.

Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap has been running for 58 years.

One to look forward to is All My Sons by Arthur Miller which comes into the Apollo theatre on the 19th May. Last year, A View From the Bridge, also by Miller, had patrons queuing around the block for a ticket, so it will be interesting to see if this production captures people’s interest in the same way.

And if you still haven’t seen Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, well guess what? It’s still playing at the St. Martin’s theatre after an unprecedented run of 58 years. If you want to find out who did it, you’ll need to buy a ticket for this quintessentially English thriller.

Ghosts has discounted tickets available from just £14.50 and many others have great offers as well. For a complete list of plays and to book tickets, click here.

Yes, Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre is closing on the 28th March. We are in mourning at Discount Theatre towers…….sniff.

Despite the sad news, I suppose it was actually quite a successful production when you really look at it. Hairspray has been running for about 18 months, which is about 17 months longer than any other recent production at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And when it opened, the critics raved, only boosting its popularity among theatregoers.

So, what will be next to inhabit the Shaftesbury Theatre? Rumours point to the stage version of Flashdance, which could appeal to devotees of Fame and Footloose. Other sources claim that it could be Broadway hit Rock Of Ages.

Hairspray will also be remembered for the show that defied the Shaftesbury curse, and was able to put bums on seats with its fun, broad appeal.

It’s not time to say goodbye yet….top price tickets are reduced to £37.50 for the near future. However, you have been warned that this is your last chance to see a fantastic show!

Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre will close on the 28th March 2010. Book your discounted Hairspray tickets here.

It’s been announced that Avenue Q will transfer to the Wyndhams Theatre when it finishes its run at the Gielgud Theatre in March, the show will be occupying is third West End venue; it originally opened at the Noel Coward Theatre in June 2006.

The rude and crude puppets are proving to be very popular with London audiences, unfortunately it’s doesn’t look like they will get a holiday this time as the production is set to transfer immediately after it closes at the Gielgud. It will open at the Wyndhams Theatre on the 19th March 2010.

Looking forward to seeing Trekkie Monster and Lucy the Slut strutting their stuff around Leicester Square Tube station!

Top price Avenue Q tickets are reduced to £32.50 for midweek performances. Book your Avenue Q tickets here.

Sheridan Smith stars in Legally Blonde The Musical

Sceptics questioned the success of the show in front of a UK audience, but the popular press came and the popular press raved.

I’ve included some tidbits from the reviews below….all very flattering

Legally Blonde is booking until the 23rd October 2010. Book your Legally Blonde tickets here.

‘Hilarious. Brilliant. Truly Spectacular… Winning performances, sophisticated lyrics and a wit sharp enough to file your nails on.  This is the feel good hit of the Winter.’
-Daily Express

‘An instant hit… A box office bombshell!’
-Evening Standard

‘A wonderful new musical. Ridiculously enjoyable from start to finish. PERFECTION.  OMIGOD! I’m like totally going again.’
-Paul Taylor, Independent

‘A FEEL-GOOD DELIGHT! A HUGE HIT. Sheridan Smith is Glorious.  She brings vitality, warmth and great comic timing to the role. Legally Blonde the musical is right up there alongside Mamma Mia and Hairspray.’
-Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph

‘A sparkly spectacle from start to finish.  HILARIOUS.’
-The Sun

First up is…. Daisy Pulls It Off (get your mind out of the gutter!). I’m told that in the spirit of St. Trinian’s, Daisy Pulls It Off follows a plucky young girl as she attempts to navigate the snobbery of her new boarding school. It’s transferring from the Baron’s Court Theatre, where it got a rapturous reception. This one will definitely be popular with families, who want something light hearted at a good price. Daisy Pulls It Off is booking until the 6th February and tickets are reduced to £13.50 for all performances.

While Daisy is saving the world, two cabaret type shows will be doing the late shift at the Arts Theatre. Nunsense A-Men sees a group of male comedy actors plays nuns trying to stage a fundraiser. It’s definitely not Sister Act, but is described as Mrs. Doubtfire enters a convent…. and should be very funny. Also doing the late shift is the return of Naked Boys Singing, which played last year at the Arts to sold out audiences. And yes, as the title suggests, there is nudity; definitely no G rating on this one. Tickets to Nunsense and Naked are priced from £13.50 each and are booking until the end of March.

Finally, later in February The Arts Theatre will see a straight play and a musical move in. The Party was a Fringe First winning play; this satirical story centres around, four young idealists who have decided to form a new political party to save the world from itself. On the musical side of things A Man Of No Importance is based on a 1994 independent film starring Albert Finney, and highlights the journey of self-discovery and acceptance of a Dublin bus conductor. Top Price tickets For A Man of No Importance are reduced to £18.50 for many performances and the show runs from the 10 to the 27th February. The Party runs from the 1st to the 13th March.

As you can see, quite a diverse selection, but a great mix for the centrally located Arts Theatre. I hope there’s more to come as the year progresses!

Looking for suggestions about what to see on these cold dark January nights? Here’s a quick don’t miss list:

Waiting For Godot, starring Ian McKellen! Save £10 on top price tickets

Cat on A Hot Tin Roof, starring James Earl Jones! Top price seats reduced to £44.99.

The Rise and Fall Of Little Voice, last chance to grab a ticket to see X-factor finalist Diana Vickers in her West End debut. Save £10 on Upper Circle tickets.

Diana Vickers stars in Little Voice until the end of January

Billy Elliot, some say the greatest British musical ever. Broadway certainly thought so when Billy cleaned up at the Tony awards earlier this year. Top price tickets are reduced to £37.50 for a limited time only.

West End classic The 39 Steps. Tickets available from as little as £10!

For a complete list of great deals, check out http://www.discounttheatre.com/11/Ticket_Deals.htm

Despite warnings of blizzard like conditions, London has fared pretty well so far. The snow is falling, but when I last checked the transport situaton was quite reasonable with only minor delays. Outside London is another matter of course, with some of the counties receiving 40 centimetres of snow overnight. There’s no need to go inside to watch The Snowman when you can make one outside!

Currently all of the shows are going ahead tonight, and are not offering refunds. If anything changes we’ll try and post it here.

And yes, the BA strike was thwarted at the last minute and I returned from Canada on time, so no blogging from the igloo….but from a snowy London instead.

This is Leicester Square, when snow hit in February 2009

The British Airways strike will not keep me from my native habitat.

I managed to make my Christmas plans very early this year. Yes, in May I booked a ticket to go back to my native Canada. My family is busy putting up the Christmas lights on our igloo and I’ll have to get my snowshoes and dog sled out to travel around town.

After all, I am from Vancouver.

I will be able to get the West Coast, but thanks to the impending British Airways strike, I may not be coming back anytime soon. Can you imagine? Blogging from the wilderness….how romantic eh?

So, as the year is quickly coming to an end, I started pondering what will be the big theatre highlight in 2010. Right now my bet is on Hair.

Critics raved about the Broadway production which is transferring to London in its entirety, including the American cast. One of the more risque musicals out there, Hair features a bunch of hippies who are in protest of the Vietnam war and introduced some of the most memorable songs of musical theatre including ‘Aquarius’, ‘Let The Sunshine In’, and ‘Hair’.

I first saw this musical when I was about 15 years old and I absolutely loved it. I then pretended to be a hippee for a while but eventually I got tired of wearing sandals in winter (besides I couldn’t wear my snowshoes with them).

Hair will move into the Gielgud Theatre when the equally risque Avenue Q vacates the premises in early March. Hair is booking from the 1st April to the 8th January 2010, just in case you want to get ready for next Christmas.

Buy your Hair tickets here.

The Broadway production of Hair will transfer to London in April.

For instance, Avenue Q went on a summer holiday earlier this year after it closed at the Noel Coward Theatre, only to re-open a few months later at the Gielgud Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. The show is now booking into its 4th year in London.

And there were some recent swapsies as An Inspector Calls moved from the Novello Theatre to the Wyndhams and summer hit Dreamboats and Petticoats, which played at the Savoy, is to re-open at The Playhouse Theatre in January.

My last post mentioned Waiting For Godot, which is coming back to the Theatre Royal Haymarket, the same theatre played at last summer.

All of this show resurrection got me thinking about my favourite shows that I would like to see make a return to the London stage. See if you remember any of these:

Bombay Dreams

Fantastic Bollywood musical that combined kitsch, crazy costumes, gangsters, water fountains and a love story. It also contained a song called Shakalaka Baby. Brilliant.

The Drowsy Chaperone

Even the great Elaine Page in the title role couldn’t keep this one going at the Novello theatre. One of the most clever and original productions stage in recent years, it won numerous Tony awards and was a huge Broadway success. The British just didn’t get it.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

I was a reluctant attendee, trying to avoid the sugary sweetness of Truly Scrumptious. In the end, the production won me over with its visual costumes and dance numbers. And the actually car flew!

Jesus Christ Superstar

Andrew Lloyd Webber offerings appear with great regularity in the West End, but it’s been a while since we last saw Superstar. If it’s done right, and I mean without the chaotic silliness that is the film version, I think it’s probably my favourite Lloyd Webber show.

Hmmm what will be the next show to make a welcome return? Stay tuned.

Ian Mckellen reprises his role as Estragon In Waiting For Godot

When the production ran last summer at the Haymarket, it was a scramble to get a ticket. While X-Men fans waited outside for returns, many had to make do with accosting the lead actors as they left via the stage door.

Even though Patrick Stewart is not returning, Godot redux will be one of the theatrical highlights of the new year, due to the strength and compelling allusiveness of Beckett’s masterpiece. Another of Beckett’s plays, Endgame, has just finished its run at the Duchess theatre, so it looks as though there is a huge demand right now for the staging of literary classics.

Buy your Waiting For Godot tickets here.

Ah, good times watching Lord Lloyd Webber on his throne as the music from The Phantom of the Opera thundered through the studio; great panto moment. In fact, Lloyd Webber’s entrance is almost as good is hearing an over excitable John Barrowman repeat everything he says 3 times….. I do hope they will all be back when the search for the Wizard Of Oz’s Dorothy commences next year.

Jodie Prenger will star as Nancy until March 2010

Jodie Prenger eventually won the role of Nancy, but after occupying the part for over a year, it was announced that Kerry Ellis will take over from the 29th March 2010.

Ellis is probably most well known for dipping herself in green paint every night to play Elphaba in Wicked (washing the paint off was probably no small feat in itself, I’m sure). She will join Gryff Rhys Jones, who will star as the nasty Fagin when Omid Djalili finishes his run in December.

Some of the best known show tunes are from Oliver! and include Consider Yourself, As Long as He Needs Me, Oom-pah-pah, and Food, Glorious Food.

Oliver! Is booking until the 26th February 2011. If you still want to see Jodie Prenger as Nancy, Upper Circle tickets are reduced to £34.75 starting from January. Buy your Oliver! Tickets here.

Kerry Ellis will join the cast of Oliver! next year

David Suchet (Poirot) and Zoe Wanamaker (My Family) star in Miller’s powerful drama about a grieving family, whose various involvements in the second world war cause strain and dark revelations.

The play itself has recently had a lot of press attention Stateside, especially as Katie Holmes made her Broadway debut in the show last year. That production also starred John Lithgow and Diane Wiest, creating a lot of hype, especially when Mr Tom Cruise himself was in the audience on opening night. Thankfully, he didn’t jump up on his seat when his wife made her stage entrance.

Earlier this year, A View From The Bridge, another of Miller’s plays, had a fantastic run in the West End, with the critics showering praise on the production. And with the Tennessee Williams’ classic, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof about to open, it seems like 20th century Americana is the fashion of the moment.

Zoe Wanamaker

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof features James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Adrian Lester and Sanaa Lathan and is directed by Debbie Allen. The production was a sell out on Broadway and is sure to be a big hitter for London’s winter theatre season.

Last seen in the West End in 2001, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof centres around a powerful American family, who gather for a birthday party that explodes into a provocative revelation of secrets.

I can’t wait. Who can resist the legend that is James Earl Jones!

Don’t miss this one, buy your Cat On A Hot Tin Roof Tickets here .

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies opens on the 9th March 2010

We’re told that the story picks up 10 years after the mysterious disappearance of the Phantom from the Paris Opera House; famous opera singer Christine Daae and her husband Raoul have travelled to New York’s Coney Island, where Christine has accepted an offer to perform. Consequently Christine finds out that the anonymous person who has lured her to New York is someone she is well acquainted with!

Ramin Karimloo will create the role of the Phantom in Love Never Dies, having already performed the role in The Phantom of the Opera in London. American Sierra Boggess (who created the role of Ariel in Broadway’s The Little Mermaid) will play Christine, and home grown talent Summer Stallen (The Sound Of Music, The Drowsy Chaperone) will play Meg Giry. Tony award winning Jack O’Brien (Hairspray) directs.

Love Never Dies will preview from the 20th February 2010, officially opening on the 9th March 2010. The initial run is booking until the 23rd October 2010. If you are a Phantom Phan, buy your tickets asap. This show will sell out.

And if you haven’t seen the original Phantom Of the Opera and need to catch up on the story, it’s still playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London; it’s Phantastic 23 year run is a testament to the popularity of the original show.

Ok, I’m probably annoying you now with the Phantom puns. Book your Love Never Dies tickets here.

As much as part of me misses the hustle and bustle of Leicester Square (I loved it when the Hare Krishnas came through every night, not to mention prime viewing for film premieres) I quite like Holborn. It’s still close to the West End for theatre going, amongst other things, and it’s just a hop to the City for a change of pace and scenery.

Best of both worlds really!

Well, not quite. But when I walked into Tesco the other day and was confronted with a huge display of mince pies I had to think twice about what month it was. I do appreciate that some people like to eat mince pies year round, (I would quite like to have access to mulled wine year round,) but it’s a little jarring to be confronted by seasonal displays at the grocery store, months before that crazy month of December. But when I saw people piling boxes of them into their trolleys, I became concerned….is there some shortage of festive treats in this country which causes people to hoard items containing sugar and warming spices?

I don’t really know why I care so much, I don’t like mince pies anyway.

All of this musing over the early onset of December did get me thinking about the seasonal shows that work their way into the West End. Ballets are always popular and there’s nothing more visually magical or iconic than The Nutcracker which is once again being performed by English National Ballet for a limited time at the Coliseum.

Equally iconic is the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, which usually pops up in one form or another. This year, the Arts Theatre is host to Scrooge’s humbug in an enchanting, feel-good musical version of everyone’s favourite Christmas tale.

Christmas shows usually span all age groups, catering to just about every demographic. For the very young, The Snowman is coming back to the Peacock Theatre, and is unique in that it’s probably the only show to allow admission for toddlers.

And for the adult oriented, The Rat Pack Christmas is a great night out, combining Christmas carols with the legendary hits from the 1950’s and 60’s.

Even though I walked to work this morning in short sleeves, I can sense the festive season is bearing down on us. Those who are smart will plan early…..only 3 months left to stock up on pies. Happy October.

English National Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.

Goodbye to Leicester Square!

So we’ve broken the back of what we will call “Summer 2009” and are headed into the Autumn. Soon the crowds will disappear from Leicester Square and the air will be slightly cooler as the leaves start to change colour. Change is definitely in the air.

The West End is also full of change due to many new productions that are opening in the next month or so, making an exciting scene for theatre lovers. I thought I would do a little list of my top picks for Autumn 2009.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Theatre Royal Haymarket

Who doesn’t love the film starring Audrey Hepburn? And what man doesn’t love Anna Friel? Both will be on stage starting in September as Friel takes on the role of Holly Golightly in the theatrical adaptation. My boyfriend is already begging me to get tickets. Girls and guys will both be pleased with this one.

The Shawshank Redemption – Wyndhams Theatre

Ok, so another film becomes a stage production, but the story is a cracker. Kevin Anderson (Sleeping With The Enemy) and Reg E Cathey (The Wire) will star as prison inmates who form a bond and make the best of the grim atmosphere.

Prick Up Your Ears – Comedy Theatre

Matt Lucas of Little Britain comes to the stage in a historical dramatisation of playwright Joe Orton and his lover Kenneth Halliwell. Expect sharp banter and darkly comic moments as the pair struggle to cope with Orton’s fame and Halliwell’s distaste for mundane domesticity.

Kevin Spacey stars in Inherit The Wind at the Old Vic Theatre

Inherit The Wind – Old Vic Theatre

Kevin Spacey is back on stage to mark the 150th anniversary of Darwinism in Inherit The Wind. In 1925 a teacher is accused of violating Tennessee state laws by teaching evolution to his students. Is freedom of thought on trial in the supposed land of the free? The legendary Trevor Nunn directs… I suspect this will be gripping stuff.

The Rat Pack – Adelphi Theatre

Admittedly, a re-entry onto the scene but I will be going again to see The Rat Pack for sure. This tribute show will delight those with a nostalgic streak, with songs such as My Way, That’s Amore and Mr. Bojangles. And the Christmas show is even better.

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice – Vaudeville Theatre

Another West End revival is set to make an appearance in October, The Rise And Fall of Little Voice, which premiered at the National Theatre in 1992 and was subsequently made into a film, is back for a limited run. This time Lesley Sharp, Marc Warren and Diana Vickers (from last year’s X factor) will perform the lead roles. Reality TV fans will be lining up to get tickets. 

Lesley Sharp, Marc Warren and Diana Vickers will star in "Little Voice" which previews from the 8th October.

Make a note of the above, it’s set to be a great time for London theatre. Discount tickets are available for many new shows so check them out here. And if you disagree, by all means let us know which shows you are looking forward to. For now, I’m going to continue packing up my desk…..

Dreamboats and Petticoats, currently playing at the Savoy Theatre, has now extended until the 31st October.

This light hearted and fun musical is based on a compilation album of 1950’s music that was released in the UK a few years back and became one of the best selling albums of recent memory. Some have dubbed it the British version of Grease, with it’s rock and roll music and teenage characters who attend a high school in Essex.

For many, it’s a trip down memory lane with songs such as The Locomotion, What A Wonderful World, and Let’s Twist Again. For others, an enjoyment of recognisable and upbeat songs being performed live on stage. Whatever the appeal, Dreamboats and Petticoats original 6 week run has sold so many tickets throughout summer, it obviously warrants an extension!

Dreamboats and Petticoats is booking until the 31st October; it will then make way for Legally Blonde The Musical which will start previewing at the Savoy on the 5th December.

Save £20.50 on top price seats for all performances of Dreamboats and Petticoats. Book your tickets here.

*Click on the play Button Below to Hear the Podcast*

Download audio file (Discount_Theatre_Podcast_6.mp3)

Show Notes

The News

• Endgame - Samuel Beckett’s one act play Endgame will open at the Duchess Theatre on the 18th September starring Richard Briers.
• The Shawshank Redemption - The classic film is to make its stage debut as a play, and will start Kevin Anderson and Reg E Cathey (The Wire).
• Little Voice - British favourite, the Rise and Fall of Little Voice, is coming back to the West End in October for a limited time only and will star one of last year’s X-Factor contestants, Diana Vickers.
• Calendar Girls - Calendar Girls has just undergone a cast change, with many famous faces taking up the roles of the WI women who pose nude for a charity calendar.
• Oliver! - Comedian Omid Djalili has taken over the role of Fagin in Oliver!
• Theatre Attendance - London’s Theatreland is enjoying a bumper 2009

Spotlight Show

• Dreamboats and Petticoats - The unexpected hit of the summer season

Interview

• Avenue Q - Trekkie Monster, Preston and Lucy the Slut are still living on Avenue Q, but their main residence is now the Gielgud Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. We were curious to see how the puppets liked their new home, so we popped over to say hello.

Gossip

• Too Close to the Sun - It’s said that a review can make or break a show; unfortunately almost all of the reviews of Too Close to the Sun ensured that it would die a quick death.
• Dragon’s Den - A few weeks back, a musical producer by the name of Josephine Buchan had a novel idea of raising money for a show about Dusty Springfield.

Offer of the Month

• Sister Act - Sister Act, the latest hit musical to storm the West End is now offering a special discount for September and October performances. Containing original music, Sister Act remains true to the story of the popular film, as lounge singer Deloris goes on the run and hides in a convent!

We’ll be back next month with more news, reviews and interviews about all of the events happening in London’s West End. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out www.discounttheatre.com, for great offers to suit everyone. Until next time…

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According to statistics published by The Society of London Theatre, attendance is up 2.5% on last year and there has been a 3.5% increase in box office receipts. It goes without saying that these results are fantastic considering most sectors are seeing decreases, as many businesses and employees began to feel the harsh effects of the recession.

The cast of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof which will open at the Novello Theatre in November

A good mix of blockbuster musicals such as Sister Act and Priscilla Queen Of The Desert combined with new plays such as Calendar Girls, have fuelled this buoyancy, providing customers with a wide range of theatrical subject matter. It also helps that many famous faces such as David Tennant, Patrick Stewart, Jerry Springer and Jude Law have made appearances in productions, raising the West End’s profile.

Other factors include the terms “weak pound” and “staycation”. Many Europeans are flooding to the UK to take advantage of the exchange rate, creating a rise in inbound tourism. As well, the staycationers that didn’t go on a holiday abroad are instead going on the road in Britain or taking day trips to keep the kids amused.

And of course the periodic monsoons don’t really entice people outdoors.

It’s only bound to get better for Theatreland, as we approach the traditionally busy winter season. With shows such as The Shawshank Redemption, The Rise And Fall of Little Voice, Legally Blonde, Prick Up Your Ears and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof all set to open in the next few months, it should be a very busy season indeed.

Kevin Anderson and Reg E Cathey will star in The Shawshank Redemption at the Wyndhams Theatre

Matt Lucas and Gwen Taylor will star in Prick Up Your Ears at the Comedy Theatre

At Discount Theatre, we’ve noticed that a number of shows are introducing a Sunday show (usually a matinee) and having a weeknight off in return. This makes perfect sense when you consider that theatre is a leisure pastime and most people do not work Saturday and Sunday.

Generally speaking, the West End had run a generic schedule of Monday to Saturday evening, a Saturday matinee and a weekday matinee, equalling eight performances a week with Sunday as a rest day.
On Broadway, you can guarantee that most shows will run on Sundays and traditionally Monday was the day of rest for the actors (although nowadays anything goes and quite often you will see Tuesday or Wednesday as the night off)

Personally, I don’t understand why West End producers haven’ t thought about this sooner. Tourists who take weekend trips to London usually stay for most of Sunday; leaving only Saturday to see the show. Saturdays are notoriously busy, with productions booked months in advance, so any hope of buying a ticket on the day goes out the window. To open up on Sundays as well, gives the paying public much more choice and if it is a matinee, the actors will still have the night off.

For years the staple of Sunday matinees in the West End were either Stomp or The Lion King. Desperate people milling around Leicester Square on a Sunday were left out as they didn’t realise that most theatres were dark. Now we are seeing Thriller, Jersey Boys, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Prick Up your Ears already performing or introducing a Sunday show in the next few months, which is great news for the consumers.

The musical Hairspray will start Sunday performances in November

Finally The West End seems to be thinking about the routines of punters. Now, if we could just get the government to revoke Sunday trading hours so we can go grocery shopping after 4pm, life would be bliss!

Check out the great shows with Sunday performances here.

At the beginning of July I mentioned the heat wave gripping Britain. People rejoiced; finally we would have a decent summer! We could go outside and enjoy ourselves and be warm and dry!

Ha ha ha. I should have realised a long time ago. Just because we have 3 days of 30 degree weather doesn’t mean that the annual summer monsoons wouldn’t come back. And they have with a vengeance. For instance, we at Discount Theatre towers had a prime viewpoint for the Harry Potter film premiere the other week; however, with the thunder, lightning and torrential rain beating on the windows there really wasn’t much we could see. Not even Emma Watson’s underwear.

Anyways, before we drown, let’s move on to the important stuff.

More blondes will be joining Sheridan Smith on stage at the Savoy Theatre this December. It was announced that Reality TV stars Susan McFadden and Aoife Mulholland will perform in the Broadway hit Legally Blonde.

Susan McFadden and Danny Bayne in Grease

McFadden participated in the ITV show Grease Is the Word and won the part of Sandy. She starred in the production of Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre with Danny Bayne in 2007/2008. McFadden’s brother is Brian McFadden of West Life fame, so the music talent runs in the family.

Mulholland was also a contestant on a reality television show, the BBC program, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? She placed a very impressive 4th with Connie Fisher eventually winning the role of the Maria in The Sound Of Music. Mulholland then went on to star as Roxie Hart the West End production of Chicago and also became the alternate Maria in the Sound Of Music, performing two shows a week.

Throw in Duncan James from boyband Blue and Legally Blonde The Musical is shaping up to have quite a nice little cast. Best to get in early if you are a fan of one or all of these talented actors. Buy your Legally Blonde tickets here.

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Show Notes

The News

• Thriller Live - A musical tribute to Michael Jackson.
• Too Close to the Sun - A musical dramatisation of  Ernest Hemingway’s last years.
• The Rat Pack - One of the most loved shows of recent memory will be back at the Adelphi Theatre for a limited run.
• Inherit The Wind - Kevin Spacey is back!
• Hairspray - West End Legend Michael Ball is currently dressing up as a woman on stage in Hairspray, but he is preparing to hand the role over to Brian Conley.
• Prick Up Your Ears - Matt Lucas of Little Britain fame will play Kenneth Halliwell in this new play
• Hello Dolly! - A Broadway classic is set to run in one of London’s most sought after venues; The Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park.

Spotlight Show

• The Woman In Black - The thriller Woman in Black has celebrated 20 years running at the Fortune Theatre, which makes it the 2nd longest West End play, behind Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap which has lasted 57 years in the West End.

Gossip

• The Bodyguard The Musical - If all goes ahead, it’s due to appear in the West End in the Spring of 2011 and will no doubt feature one of the biggest selling singles of all time “ I Will Always Love You”.
• Minsky’s - Bob Martin of Drowsy Chaperone fame has written a new musical set in 1930’s New York about a burlesque house that the local authority is trying to shut down.
• Les Miserables Tour - The tour will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Les Mis and will include new sets and costumes, but will not include Susan Boyle singing “I Dreamed a Dream”

Offer of the Month

• This month we are featuring a very special promotion in which customers receive a free hotel 3 star hotel room when a top price ticket is bought for selected shows. Valid from the 6th July to the 12th September,  the free hotel offer  includes many top selling shows, including Hairspray, Sister Act and Wicked.  With prices as low as £45 per person, per night this is a fantastic offer you won’t want to miss.  Space is limited, so check out discount theatre today!

We’ll be back next month with more news, reviews and interviews about all of the events happening in London’s West End. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out www.discounttheatre.com, for great offers to suit everyone. Until next time…

I told them that it was very good and they should definitely go and see it, especially if they liked music from that era. They then asked a puzzling question: was it a film?

I was quite confused at this point, especially since the face value for top price tickets was about £40 at the time, which is a little steep for the cinema. My reply seemed to confuse them as well. I said that it was a live show, and all of the songs were performed live on stage. This was a booth for West End tickets after all, not the Odeon Cinema Leicester Square.

Their response: “Well it can’t be a live show. Sammy, Frank and Dean are all dead”

I swear to you, there was no sarcastic tone in their statement whatsoever.

I think I underestimate people sometimes. We started again, and I explained that it was a tribute show and the performers were actors, but very good actors, and it was a great night out and they should really go and see it.

They booked tickets to see Phantom Of the Opera.

Anyways, now that I have shared this little anecdote, and now that The Rat Pack is on its way back into the West End, I must say that it is a great show, performed by actors that look and sound remarkably like Frank, Dean and Sammy, and contains well known songs such as “Fly Me to The Moon”, “Mr. Bojangles”, and “My Way”. It is an extremely fun and entertaining night out. And the best part is, they do a special Christmas version in December which is fantastic, especially for work parties or to incorporate into a shopping trip to London.

Some words of advice to anyone who needs to provide a description of The Rat Pack….use the words Live Tribute Show. It will save you a lot of trouble.

The Rat Pack-Live From Las Vegas is booking from 24th September until the 21st November and the Christmas version will be running from the 24th November to 3rd January. Book your Rat Pack tickets here.

Thriller - Live at the Lyric Theatre in London

Usually such weather is the most talked about thing in the pubs, however, Michael Jackson’s untimely and tragic death at the age of 50 wins the prize. Due to start his residency at the O2 in a few weeks time, his comeback concerts were rightly one of the most hyped events for this summer. Whatever the controversy surrounding his life, I’m sure that most people agree that in his heyday he was the ultimate performer.

In the West End, we’ve seen shrines at the Lyric Theatre, where Thriller –Live the musical is playing, and at HMV in Piccadilly Circus. People also have gathered at the O2, lighting candles and laying flowers at commemorative plasma screen.

I wonder how things have changed for the performers in Thriller-Live, the audiences are probably exuding a more emotional response to the show as they try to connect with the music. Visible emotion is evident in the memorials placed at the entrance to the theatre. Demand for the show has been high, just as Jackson’s albums, (some are 30 years old) are also dominating the music charts.

Thriller- Live may be the alternative for fans that bought tickets for the O2 concerts that will never happen. It will be substitution…. but still a chance to enjoy the music.

Well, we will all have to go and see the funny man take a stab (no pun intended) at a character that seriously loses the plot. Prick Up Your Ears will be on a regional tour from the end of August and will then move into the Comedy Theatre from the 17th September until the 6th December. Book your Prick Up Your Ears Tickets here.

Matt Lucas stars as Daffyd in Little Britain

Surely the Tennessee Williams play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, will survive the seeming minefield that is a London audience?

This latest incarnation was a sell out on Broadway with a sublime cast, some of whom are coming to do the West End leg as well. No need to tell you about the Academy and Tony award winning legend that is James Earl Jones…he plays Big Daddy in the African American cast. But remember Phylicia Rashad? She was the mum on the Cosby Show, (one of the best shows in the 80’s) but is also a Tony award winning actress in her own right, for the lead role in 2004’s A Raisin In The Sun. Joing the Americans is Adrian Lester, of BBC’s Hustle who will play Big Daddy’s son, Brick.

This production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is also directed by Rashad’s sister, Debbie Allen, who starred in Fame and won awards for her choreography on the film and TV series.

Despite the pedigree of the cast, the play should stand on its feet due to the story: a steamy American south setting and the politics of a family who has have gathered to celebrate the patriarch’s birthday lead to explosive altercations. It’s quite possibly one of the best known plays in American Literature and the chance to see a Tennessee Williams play on stage shouldn’t be missed.

Cat On a Hot Tin Roof previews from 21st November 2009 and is booking until 10th April 2010. Let’s hope that it is able to play out its limited run. 

Don’t miss out, get your Cat On A Hot Tin Roof tickets here.

James Earl Jones in the 2008 Broadway production of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

This month, we bring you the news and gossip, including:

The announcement of Anna Friel’s and John Barrowman’s return to the West End;

The triumph of a British musical that stormed Broadway;

And the surprise veteran West End show that is raking in the ticket sales.

We also managed to interview controversial talk show host Jerry Springer who is appearing in Chicago as smooth talking lawyer Billy Flynn. Stay tuned to find out how he feels about his West End stage debut and performing in such a successful musical.

Firstly, let’s find out what’s been happening in the world of theatre over the last month.

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Show Notes

The News

• Breakfast at Tiffany’s - Anna Friel will star as the iconic Holly Golightly in the stage adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Friel was most recently seen in the quirky US TV show Pushing Daisies, and was in the UK soap Brookside. Breakfast At Tiffany’s will preview on the 9th September and is booking until the 9th January 2010. Book now to ensure you get your tickets.
• An Inspector Calls - Following the early closure of Spring Awakening, it has been announced that An Inspector Calls will play a limited engagement at the Novello Theatre from the 22nd September. Steven Daldry’s award winning production, has had extensive West End runs and tours, and is reportedly the longest running revival of a play in history. An Inspector Calls is booking until the 14th November.
• La Cage Aux Folles - John Barrowman of Dr Who and Torchwood fame will join the production of La Cage aux Folles at the Playhouse Theatre on the 14th September and will play the role of Albin until the 28th November. La Cage is currently playing to rave reviews with Roger Allam and Phillip Quast who will continue until the 12th September as the manager and drag queen who run the flamboyant nightclub. La Cage Aux Folles is booking until 9th January 2010.
• La Clique - Last month we brought you the sad news that acclaimed entertainment show La Clique had been ousted from its home at the Hippodrome to make way for a casino and restaurant. It has been now been confirmed that after a little break, La Clique will be back and will play over the Christmas Season at the Roundhouse Theatre, previewing on the 19th November and booking until 17th January 2010. If you still want to catch the current run at the Hippodrome, La Clique is running there until the 27th June and there are still great discounts. Offer: General admission seats normally £29.50 are reduced to £22.55
• Billy Elliot - The Broadway production of Billy Elliot has been nominated for 15 Tony awards in New York, thrashing the competition. Despite initial concerns over the American audience being able to understand the Geordie accent, it seems that the heart warming story of a boy ballet dancer, told through Lee Hall’s amazing script, Elton John’s award winning music, and Matthew Bourne’s stunning choreography, has won over the critics and the masses. The Tony award winners will be announced on the 15th June, so we wish Billy good luck. You don’t need to go to New York to see the show though- it is still playing in London at the Victoria Palace Theatre and is booking until 3rd April 2010. Offer: Until the 19th June Tickets are reduced from £60 to only £39.50 Monday to Thursday evenings.
• We Will Rock You - Finally, congratulations to the musical We Will Rock You as it celebrated its 7th birthday last month. Dubbed the Queen musical, We Will Rock You is still packing them in at the Dominion theatre. If you haven’t seen the show, and you may be one of the few, there’s no excuse not to rock out to one of London’s best selling shows. Tickets are on sale until 27th March 2010. Offer: Top price tickets normally £55 are discounted to only £32.50 Monday to Friday evenings.

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Spotlight Show

• A Little Night Music - The Sondheim musical opened at the Menier Chocolate factory to rave reviews which prompted a west end transfer to the Garrick Theatre in March, joining other Chocolate Factory success La Cage aux Folles.

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Chicago – Jerry Springer Interview

This month’s star interview is with Jerry Springer who is making his West End debut as Billy Flynn in Chicago. Chicago is the longest running American musical in London with a staggering 10 years under its belt. Springer’s character, Billy Flynn is a smooth talking lawyer who advises a series of beautiful and devious murderesses how to escape jail sentences and earn a fortune from their experiences – Max Clifford anyone? Charlie sat down with Jerry as he prepared for the role:

Offer: Jerry Springer stars as Billy Flynn until 11th July but Chicago is booking until 30th October 2010. Top price tickets normally £55 are reduced to £37.50 Monday to Friday and Saturday matinees.

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Gossip

• Les Mis/Susan Boyle - By now the whole world has seen Susan Boyle sing an amazing version of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables on Britain’s Got Talent, and we have noticed a knock on effect from the You Tube sensation, resulting in sales for Les Mis going through the roof. Who knew that a performance on a talent show, could turn into some free PR for a West End musical? Although Boyle reprised her performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” in the Britain’s Got Talent Final on Saturday night, she was edged out by dance group Diversity, whose creativity and choreography blew, what was thought to be a one horse race, wide open. Regardless of Boyle’s second place finish (and some nasty run-ins with the press), Les Miserables can thank her for some free advertising; people are now flocking to see the musical which contains the song that launched Susan Boyle into stardom.

• Bridget Jones - It appears that another film will become a musical. Apparently Helen Fielding who wrote both Bridget Jones novels is working on a script for a musical version. It’s unlikely that Renee Zellwiger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant will reprise their roles on stage but it is likely that audiences will love a musical version of Bridget Jones, and love it just the way it is.

• Love Never Dies - Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to The Phantom of The Opera was due to have a simultaneous premiere in London, New York and Shanghai this year, but it looks like that has now been put off until 2010. The new musical, titled Love Never Dies will see the Phantom and his muse Christine return, but this time the locale will be Coney Island in New York.

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Offer of  the week

• Priscilla Queen Of The Desert - Until the end of June there is a fabulous offer on the fabulous Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Jason Donovan stars in this rollicking and colourful stage adaptation of the cult film, which will have you dancing in the aisles. Be quick, because seating is limited.

Offer:
Top price tickets are normally £59.25 but until the end of June, they are reduced to only £39.75 for Monday to Wednesday and Thursday matinee performances.

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We’ll be back next month with more news, reviews and interviews about all of the events happening in London’s West End. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out www.discounttheatre.com, for great offers to suit everyone. Until next time…

But on the weekend of 20th to 21st June, West End Live will come to the “Square” which means two solid days of free entertainment, rather than the fleeting minutes that the Krishnas usually provide.

West End Live has been going for a few years now; basically many West End shows come to Leicester Square and perform a number from the show. This is rather useful in these cash strapped times; you can see little snippets of the show and test drive them before buying that all important ticket. Or you can just come and mooch about and enjoy a free day out. No one will walk around with a hat after each performance asking for donations for the ”free entertainment” (if you’ve ever been to Covent Garden you’ll know what I am talking about).

Some of the shows that are scheduled to appear are Avenue Q, Carousel, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and We Will Rock You, with many more on board. And if you find that you like the look (and sound) of any of the performances you can buy tickets from www.discounttheatre.com; many shows offer great discounts in advance.

In our office, we also get the pleasure of hearing the sound checks and a bird’s eye view of the set up for West End Live on the day before. We’ll be looking forward to hearing the beats of Stomp as we type away on our keyboards….

West End Live takes place on the 20th June from 11am to 6pm and 21st June from noon until 6pm. Admission is free, so no ticket needed to enjoy a sample of the best shows in the West End!

Avenue Q performs in last year's West End Live in Leicester Square

Anna Friel will star as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's

Put the coffee on and lay out the table. Breakfast is about to become the main meal of the day for Anna Friel.

The excellent TV show Pushing Daisies may have been cancelled by the American networks after only two very brief series, but when one door closes….well, you know.

It was confirmed last week, that Friel will star as Holly Golightly in the stage adaptation of Truman Capote’s novella, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which will open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on the 9th September.

Set in New York in 1943, Holly Golightly is living the high life as a socialite with big ambition. Who will she marry? And more importantly what will she wear? The character of Holly Golightly was immortalised by Audrey Hepburn in the film version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, highlighting the classic look of little black dress, pearls and huge sunglasses.

While the production has been classed as a play, it was confirmed that the iconic song “Moon River” (from the film version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s) will be performed in the production, delighting hard core film enthusiasts but also operating as a good lovey-dovey song for couples – men, take note if you want to impress.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is booking until the 9th January 2010. Buy your Breakfast at Tiffany’s tickets here.

As mentioned, there’s still some tickets left for Oliver, make sure you get your hands on one so you don’t have to pick a pocket or two!

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If it were me, I would ask Alexia Khadime (who plays Elphaba) just how long it takes to get that green makeup on and off every night. I wonder if she has to scrub with industrial strength soap?

Wicked was already a Broadway hit when it arrived at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in September 2006 and quickly became a sought after show on the London scene as well. In this interpretation of Oz the munchkins and Dorothy take a back seat while the story of the witches is explored.

Celebrating its 1000th performance earlier this year and heading for a birthday cake with 3 candles in September, Wicked tickets are still in high demand. Check out the superb Wicked Meal Deal on www.discounttheatre.com or buy tickets for Wicked here.

Despite being a multiple Tony award winner, and receiving 5 star reviews from the London critics, Spring Awakening is to close at the Novello Theatre on the 30th May.

Reminds me of another Broadway hit at the Novello that just didn’t fly over here…anyone remember The Drowsy Chaperone?

Teenage angst is at the forefront of Spring Awakening, but it also highlights some very serious issues, stressing that adolescence isn’t always about school dances and football games. However, it seems the groundbreaking production, even with its awards and critical acclaim, does not have the ticket sales to keep going. It’s a shame, as it’s one of the most diverse and exciting things I’ve seen in the West End for a long time.

If you fancy rocking out with the tormented teens, there’s still time. Tickets are available at a discount until the end of the month. Buy your Spring Awakening tickets here.

We also have a personalised account of the long awaited opening of Calendar Girls at the Noel Coward theatre. Our podfather Ashley was at the opening night and gives his review of the show.

And of course we bring you the West End news, to keep you informed of happenings in theatreland.

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Show Notes

The News

• Sister Act - Sister Acts starts previewing from 7th May. Check out Discount Theatre for a fantastic Sister Act meal deal: buy a top price ticket and get a 2 course meal for free!
• La Clique Announces Closing Date - You still have time to catch the show, before it’s forcibly removed. General admission seats are reduced to £22.50 for most performances so take a look at Discount Theatre for more info.
• Shout - Shout contains fantastic 1960’s anthems including DOWNTOWN, SON OF A PREACHER MAN, I ONLY WANNA BE WITH YOU, THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN’, YOU DON’T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE ME, celebrating an era that baby boomers are proud of, and everyone else wishes they could have been part of. Tickets are available from only £15, so it’s a bargain you definitely don’t want to miss!

Spotlight Show

• Calendar Girls - Ashley talks the premiere of Calendar Girls.

Spring Awakening Interview

• As featured in last month’s news, we highlighted the teenage angst filled musical Spring Awakening, which is proving to be a groundbreaking force as it transferred to the Novello Theatre last month. The reviewers raved, giving it glowing reviews and boosting its status as one of the most original, dynamic musicals being performed today. We went to talk to the cast. Spring Awakening Tickets

Spring Awakening in full swing!

There was much debate about the opening of West End hit Billy Elliot to Broadway last year, mostly about the characters’ thick Northern dialect and the historical references in the musical. The question was asked: would a predominantly American audience get it? And would they find it relevant?

With rave reviews posted in New York and now a massive 15 Tony award nominations, Billy Elliot has proved it can transcend the Atlantic Ocean and confirms that at its heart, it is a universal story of love, acceptance and the human condition.

Billy Elliot opened 4 years ago in London and immediately became a sell out hit. Directed by Stephen Daldry and composed by Elton John, the story centres around Billy and his quest to be a ballet dancer despite disapproval from his hard working class father and brother. With the backdrop of the 1980’s mining strikes contributing to the intensity of Billy’s family life, the story embodies a critical historical time in British life.

Billy Elliot claimed many major awards in Britain 4 years ago and with the amount of Tony nominations this week, it may sweep the board in New York as well. Fortunately, you don’t have to go to New York to see the show as Billy Elliot is still playing at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London. From now until 19th June (excludes 25th to 29th May) top price Billy Elliot tickets are reduced from £60 to £39.50 Monday to Friday. Buy your Billy Elliot tickets here.

I thought maybe it was time to jump in on the Susan Boyle frenzy, and highlight an interesting trend that may have been sparked by this latest flurry of pop culture.

Susan Boyle sings "I Dreamed a Dream"

I was perusing the most popular shows according to sales on Discount Theatre in the last month, and my mouth fell open when I saw the numbers for Les Miserables. This 24 year old musical is nearing the top of our list for ticket sales.

And after puzzling for a bit over this discovery, my mind then turned to Susan Boyle’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent. Boyle sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Mis, and managed to shock everyone with a rather moving rendition, contrasting the image of a frumpy middle aged woman. In an age of social networking and You Tube, it didn’t take long for her performance to become a worldwide phenomenon and make Boyle a highly sought after talk show guest.

Don’t get me wrong; Les Mis is a brilliant musical, one of my favourites and a must see for anyone who likes musical theatre. It takes the rather violent backdrop of the French Revolution, and blows the roof off of the Queen’s Theatre with beautiful and emotional songs, which results in one of the most breathtaking stage epics. If you see it, you will buy the soundtrack immediately. It has always been a strong presence in the world of musicals, quietly and diligently standing its ground in an age of pithy and hyped new offerings.

But for it to fend off almost every other heavily promoted show that has come on to the scene in the last couple of months? It can only be a testament to the longevity and quality of the show, and in my humble opinion, maybe a little incidental push from a woman who decided to sing “I Dreamed a Dream” on Britain’s Got Talent.

Les Miserables offers great discounts, with top price tickets reduced to £39.50 for weekday performances. Book your Les Miserables tickets at the Queen’s Theatre here.

And don’t forget the colour pink, quite possibly the most annoying and nauseating colour in the world.

Yes, after months of speculation, rumours and innuendo, (gasp!) it has been revealed that the Broadway hit, Legally Blonde, will come to London and have its premiere at the Savoy Theatre on the 5th December.

Based on the film of the same name, Legally Blonde is a comedy revolving around Elle Woods (the Blonde) who gets dumped by her boyfriend for being ‘not serious enough’. But let’s be blunt; he means stupid.

But as Elle wants her man back, she somehow gets herself into Harvard law school???? (Ok, I’m up for fantastical storylines, but this is close to taking the piss), so she can become educated, and win her man back. It’s harmless, manufactured, endearing Hollywood comedy, and absolutely perfect for an escapist and funny evening of theatre.

It was announced that Sheridan Smith will star as Elle Woods, she was last seen in the West End in the superb Menier Chocolate Factory production of Little Shop of Horrors. The accompanying boyfriend will be played by Duncan James (from the boyband Blue and last seen in the West End production of Chicago).

Tickets for Legally Blonde go on sale for individuals on the 26th April. Bring on the hair dye and absurd Chihuahua outfits!

Luckily for me, I don’t need the sun to add a little brightness in my life…. currently I am blinded every time I walk past the Palace Theatre. I’ve even had to get a bigger pair of sunglasses and start wearing a large hat, as the glare from the sequins on the front of the building is so bright!

Priscilla Queen of the Desert, opened to rave reviews at the Palace, and if the outside of the building is producing such an alarming shimmer, wait until you see what is happening on stage.

The musical is based on the 1994 cult film about 3 drag queens who are crossing the Australian desert in their beloved bus, Priscilla. Starring Jason Donovan, Priscilla contains fantastic dance-floor classics including I Will Survive, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Don’t Leave Me This Way and Finally, which combined with the numerous (and requisite) flamboyant costumes, constitutes a roaring and colourful good time.

Priscilla has also decided to “Celebrate Spring”, in style of course, by offering an exclusive offer for Discount Theatre customers. From the 4th May to the 30th June, top price tickets Monday to Wednesday evenings and Thursday matinees are only £39.75 each, saving £19.50 off of the face value.

Now’s your chance to grab a deal for the theatre opening of the year….get your Priscilla tickets here.

And don’t worry if you see a someone hurrying past the theatre in a large brimmed hat and sunglasses even when it’s dark outside….I am normal…..really.

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Show Notes

The News

• Spring Awakening - A hot, sexy, and scintillating new musical that just hit the Novello Theatre
• Priscilla Queen Of The Desert - Opened at the Palace Theatre on 23rd March, starring Jason Donovan, Oliver Thornton, and Tony Sheldon
• Avenue Q - Moving to the Gielgud Theatre this June
• Waiting for Godot - Starring Sir Patrick Stewart, and Sir Ian McKellan, the show will open at the Haymarket Theatre on the 6th of May for a limited season

Spotlight Show

• La Clique - 2009 Olivier Award Winner for Best Entertainment

Theatre Gossip

• Ghost The Musical will premiere in the West End in 2010, and Matthew Warchus (Lord Of the Rings) is to direct
• Legally Blonde - Coming to this West End at the End of year

Offer of the Month

• Billy Elliot - from the 27th of April to the 19th of June for only £39.50 per ticket! That’s a savings of over £20 per ticket

Discount Theatre News will be broadcasting on a monthly basis, so you can get your monthly Theatre fix every 30 days on the blog or delivered directly into iTunes.

Meet the Podfather and Mother (Ashley and Charlie)

They show a brave little blonde schoolboy going head to head with the new star of Walking with Dinosaurs Live…a 150 ft T-Rex!

This massive mechanical beast runs around like 65 million years never happened and looks set to take London by storm with a series of shows at Wembley and The 02 in August. It would be really bad if he escaped to reek havoc across the capital, scaling Big Ben with little Blondie in an emotional last stand. I’m told the producers have learned a lot from the King Kong fiasco and are taking the correct precautions.

It’s not fair…all we had in my day was a torn-up Dino picture book to share among 35 tiny classmates; I can still remember the musty odor pulsating from its pages which made learning such a chore. But nowadays these little tikes have full blown interaction with the past, we have almost invented time travel for them…and what kind of thanks do we get? I’ve had my phone on all day and not one of these “Children” has called to say thanks for the HYPER LEARNING!!!! What a Liberty…

See Walking with Dinosaurs Live at The 02

See Walking with Dinosaurs Live at Wembley

Grass I tells Ya…Grass!

It seems that Boris Johnson and his lovely cronies have seen fit to bestow a present of the green stuff for us all to enjoy over the summer. I can’t wait to get out there on relaxing afternoons and let my fair ginger skin go pink and pitted.

We did have a smattering of mud based straw before, but this latest crop is fresh and new and delicious.

So before taking your seats at some fantastic West End matinee this sunny season why not come and drink some of our Ice Cold Orange Cordial on nature’s newest fury carpet!?! (Is it weird to get so excited about turf?)

*Disclaimer*

“DiscountTheatre.com cannot be held responsible for your consumption of Ice Cold Orange Cordial; tasty beverages take work and dedication on the part of the drinker and are in no way guaranteed.”

Cameron Mackintosh has announced that Avenue Q, the endearing look at life in New York using both puppets and humans to illustrate how life sucks will now transfer to the Gielgud Theatre.

The current run at the Noel Coward Theatre will finish on the 28th March to make way for the highly anticipated stage version of the film Calendar Girls. After a 2 month hiatus, allowing some well deserved down time for the puppets, or perhaps a chance for some internet surfing of the naughty sort, the entire cast will traipse a few blocks North to Shaftesbury Avenue.

Originally opening in the West End in June 2006, Avenue Q has found its place as one of the funniest and crudest of all musicals. It may look like a harmless puppet show, but as the description says “these characters wouldn’t be welcome on Sesame Street.” Best to leave the young kids at home….there’s some puppet sex which may scare even the most well adjusted adult.

Avenue Q will open at the Gielgud Theatre on the 1st June with a booking period to 26th September.

To get your Avenue Q Tickets Click Here

A Spring of another sort is also on the move…Spring Awakening, the Tony award winning musical is coming to the West End.

Based on an 1891 German play about adolescents on a journey of sexual awareness and discovery, Spring Awakening started as an off-Broadway production but very quickly made its way to “The Great White Way”, where it won 8 Tony awards. Earlier this year, it made its UK debut at the Lyric Hammersmith and will now have its West End Premiere when it opens at the Novello on the 21st March.

Spring Awakening Invades Beverly Hills

I have a little confession to make….I watch the new 90210. It’s a guilty pleasure, but brings me straight back the angst ridden high school days of the early ’90s…when the combination of plaid shirts and choker necklaces was cool. I realise that the topic of conversation has abruptly changed and my teenage telly tendencies seem a little out of place in this blog, but here is the connection: if you also indulge in this harmless rehash of high school fun….you will already know one of the songs from Spring Awakening! That’s right, the musical that the kids at West Beverly High performed a few episodes back was Spring Awakening, which highlighted the edgy rock song “Mamma Who Bore Me.”

So…Spring Awakening made it to Broadway, then London’s West End and was also featured on 90210…it doesn’t get any better!

Spring Awakening is just the musical to help us along into the warmer days and shorter nights….booking now until the 31st October 2009. Buy your Spring Awakening tickets here.

With tickets available from just £12.50, there are loads of discounted shows that will ensure everyone can bag a bargain for a trip to the West End.

There’s no booking fee on some premium shows, such as 80’s dancefest, Dirty Dancing, and the fantastically cool (and very green) Wicked.

It’s the last chance to see Avenue Q and Zorro, before they disappear off into the sunset…both finish this month, so don’t delay!

It’s extraordinary to think that The Chocolate Factory (what a nice sounding name for a theatre) only opened in 2004, but six of its productions have transferred to the West End or New York in recent years, including Sunday in the Park With George, Little Shop of Horrors and La Cage aux Folles, which is currently playing at the Playhouse Theatre and starring Graham Norton.

A Little Night Music features some heavy-weight theatre names, most notably, director Trevor Nunn (we’ll forgive him for his involvement in Gone With The Wind); performing on stage are Alexander Hanson, Maureen Lipman, Hannah Waddingham and runner up from the BBC television contest I’d Do Anything, Jessie Buckley.

See…. the other participants on these reality shows always get jobs, so it’s all good in the end.

Based on Ingmar Bergman’s film, Smiles of a Summer Night, A Little Night Music revives the notion of romance; set against the backdrop of 19th century Sweden it features one of the best known songs of musical theatre, Send In The Clowns….. some people are afraid of clowns, but don’t be scared, it’s just a song about them.

£10 off all tickets during the previews

A Little Night Music is booking until the 25th July; considering The Chocolate Factory’s pedigree, I’m sure the bright lights of Theatreland will embrace it. Be sure to get in early and save £10 on all seats during the preview period of 28th March to the 6th April.

A Little Night Music is on Sale Here =>

Who’d have thought when the lights went out on Starlight Express all those years ago, that the Apollo theatre would soon play host to a whole new set of excited fans eager to see a new magical spectacular? An event that would literally grab the public imagination by the horns and become the most popular West End show of them all!

The surrounding area of Victoria station is now like a hotbed of theatrical success with Billy Elliot and Wicked facing off skin on skin and night after night like two ferocious brothers…Blood Brothers?

Anyway I was sitting at home this morning eating Brioche and trying to think of the perfect way to mark this special occasion when suddenly it hit me in the eye:

My top 10 famous people who’ve seen Wicked in London, in a very particular secret order:

1. Mick Jagger
2. Ray Mears
3. Tim Burton
4. Brian May
5. Jennifer Aniston
6. Gary Barlow
7. Graham Norton
8. Matt Damon
9. Dame Shirley Bassey
10. Sharon Osbourne

So basically if you go see Wicked this year, you’re in GREAT company!

Get your Wicked tickets here =>

Ron Cook returns to the Donmar to play Polonius. He is currently appearing as Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night, and previously appeared in Helpless, Juno and the Paycock and Glengarry Glen Ross. His many other theatre credits include The Seafarer, Howard Katz (National Theatre), Singer (Tricycle Theatre), Insignificance (Chichester Festival Theatre), Art (Wyndham’s) and extensive work for the RSC. For television, his work includes The Diary of Anne Frank, Fantabulosa, Funland, He Knew He Was Right, The Other Boleyn Girl and The Lost Prince; and for film, Hot Fuzz, Confetti, Charlotte Gray, Chocolat, Quills, Topsy Turvy, Secrets and Lies, and The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover.

Peter Eyre returns to the Donmar to play the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father/Player King. He previously appeared at the Donmar in Murder in the Cathedral (part of the TS Eliot Festival) and The Wild Duck. His other recent theatre credits include Waste (Almeida Theatre), Terre Haute (New York, Trafalgar Studios and Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh), Ring Round the Moon (Playhouse Theatre), The Cherry Orchard (Sheffield Crucible), Richard II (Old Vic) and Don Carlos (Sheffield Crucible and Gielgud Theatre). For television, his work includes Question of God, Cambridge Spies, Bertie & Elizabeth, The Death of Socrates, Don Quixote and Alice in Wonderland; and for film, Shadows in the Sun, From Hell, The Golden Bowl, Surviving Picasso, Remains of the Day, Orlando and Let Him Have It.

Jude Law makes his Donmar debut in the title role. Law’s theatre work includes Dr Faustus and ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore (Young Vic), Les Parents Terrible (National Theatre and Broadway) and Death of a Salesman (West Yorkshire Playhouse). His film work includes Sherlock Holmes, The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus, The Repossession Mambo, Sleuth, My Blueberry Nights, The Holiday, Closer, Alfie, The Aviator, Cold Mountain, Road to Perdition, The Talented Mr Ripley and Wilde.

Gwilym Lee plays Guildenstern. His theatre work includes Oedipus (National Theatre) and Richard III (RSC). For television, his credits include Waterloo Road, Lewis and Mutual Friends.

John MacMillan plays Rosencrantz. For theatre, his work includes In the Red and Brown Water and The Member of the Wedding (Young Vic), Piranha Heights (Soho Theatre), The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Almeida Theatre) and Cymbeline (Cheek by Jowl).

Kevin R McNally returns to the Donmar to play Claudius. His previous work for the Donmar includes Ivanov and World Music. His other theatre credits include Boeing Boeing (Comedy Theatre), The Lady in the Van (Queen’s Theatre) and Naked (Almeida and Playhouse Theatre). For television, his work includes Demons, The Last Van Helsing, The Murder of Princess Diana, Life on Mars, Dunkirk, Bedtime, Shackleton and Conspiracy; and for film, Valkyrie, Scoop, Pirates of the Caribbean, Johnny English, Entrapment, Sliding Doors, Enigma and Cry Freedom.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays Ophelia. Her theatre credits include Gethsemane (National Theatre), Big White Fog (Almeida Theatre), Romeo & Juliet and Antony & Cleopatra (Manchester Royal Exchange). For television, her work includes Bonekickers, Lost in Austen, Fallout, Trial & Retribution, Dr Who and London; and for film, Act of God.

Matt Ryan returns to the Donmar to play Horatio. He previously appeared in Small Change. Ryan’s other theatre work includes Lovely & Misfit (Trafalgar Studios) and Sejanus, A New Way to Please You, Believe What You Will and Speaking Like Magpies (Royal Shakespeare Company). For television his credits include Wild Decembers, Collision, Torchwood, Consenting Adults, The Tudors and Mine All Mine; and for film, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, Red Light Runners and Layer Cake.

Alex Waldmann plays Laertes. He is currently appearing in Twelfth Night, part of the Donmar West End season. His other theatre credits include Troilus and Cressida (Barbican), Angry Young Man (Trafalgar Studios and Edinburgh Festival), Macbeth (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and Big Love (Gate Theatre).

Penelope Wilton returns to the Donmar to play Gertrude. Her other work for the Donmar includes The Family Reunion (part of the TS Eliot Festival), The Chalk Garden (Evening Standard Award for Best Actress), John Gabriel Borkman, The Little Foxes and A Kind of Alaska. Wilton’s other theatre credits include Women Beware Women (RSC), The House of Bernarda Alba (National Theatre) and Afterplay (The Gate, Dublin; Charleston, USA and West End). For television, her work includes Half Broken Things, Dr Who, Bob and Rose, Victoria and Albert and Wives and Daughters; and for film, The History Boys, Match Point, Pride and Prejudice, Calendar Girls and Iris.

Booking from 29th May – 22nd August 2009

Click here for Hamlet Tickets

This brand spanking new West End Diva is Patina Miller, a relative newcomer from South Carolina whose major success in showbiz so far has been the acclaimed Broadway revival of Hair.

If you’ve never born witness to the fun-filled frolic that is the frenetic story of Sister Act then you’re missing out on a big chunk of heartwarming pie that I will now rehash into a 30 second cupcake…

‘Deloris Van Cartier’ is a 70’s night club singer embroiled in deep romantic relations with a nasty mobster (love can be a cruel drug). When she witnesses’ her beau killing a man to death “Enough is Enough” and she runs away to blab her mouth off to the cops!

Mr. Mobster boyfriend gets angry and decides to silence his former love mistress for good…with bullets and everything.

The police get wind of the plot and stuff Deloris in a nunnery for safekeeping until the trial, where she gains the trust of the other Nuns who are amazed by her fast tongue and liberal ways. The singing sister soon becomes “HEAD HONCHO” off the nunnery choir, Bustin’ Out some bad ass gospel classics all over the strict morals of the stuffy Mother Superior.

Risking life and limb, evading mobsters, and battling with religious top brass at every turn, Deloris cuts a hilarious and sassy rut through every sticky situation she encounters.

Starring alongside Patina will be Sheila Hancock as the aforementioned ‘Mother Superior’. To many, a national treasure and a multi-BAFTA nominee, Sheila’s career spans theatre, television, radio and film and she won a 2007 Olivier Award for her performance in Cabaret. Dad’s Army and EastEnders actor Ian Lavender also stars as ‘Monsignor Howard’. SISTER ACT opens at the London Palladium on 2 June, following previews from 7 May.

SISTER ACT features a score by Alan Menken, eight-time Oscar winner and composer of many of the world famous songs from Disney’s movies, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin and Enchanted, with lyrics from his long- time collaborator Glenn Slater. The book is by the award-winning team Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, whose writing credits include the classic television comedy Cheers, and the production is directed by Peter Schneider.

If you’re lucky there still might be a few preview tickets left in May, but the show officially opens on June 2nd and has already sold over 25.000 tickets!

BS

Get your London Theatre Tickets Here

Anyway, I’m about to reveal the entire list of nominations but before I do there seems to be one obvious omission that blazes out like a beacon in the night…

Where on Earth is Carousel?

…with five star reviews, sell-out shows, and such a delicious cast. Three words come to mind in varying stages of severity:

1. Travesty!
2. Scandalous!!
3. Abomination!!!

Let the nominations begin:

BEST ACTRESS

• Deanna Dunagan for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY at the NT Lyttelton
• Lindsay Duncan for THAT FACE at the Duke of York’s
• Margaret Tyzack for THE CHALK GARDEN at the Donmar
• Penelope Wilton for THE CHALK GARDEN at the Donmar

BEST ACTOR

• David Bradley for NO MAN’S LAND at the Duke of York’s
• Michael Gambon for NO MAN’S LAND at the Duke of York’s
• Adam Godley for RAIN MAN at the Apollo
• Derek Jacobi for TWELFTH NIGHT, Donmar at Wyndham’s

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

• Oliver Ford Davies for HAMLET at the Novello
• Kevin R McNally for IVANOV, Donmar at Wyndham’s
• Paul Ritter for THE NORMAN CONQUESTS at The Old Vic
• Patrick Stewart for HAMLET at the Novello

BEST COMPANY PERFORMANCE

• AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY directed by Anna D Shapiro at the Lyttelton
• BLACK WATCH directed by John Tiffany at the Barbican
• THE HISTORIES directed by Michael Boyd at the Roundhouse
• THE NORMAN CONQUESTS directed by Matthew Warchus at The Old Vic
• SUNSET BOULEVARD directed by Craig Revel Horwood at the Comedy

BEST NEW PLAY

• AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY by Tracy Letts at the Lyttelton
• BLACK WATCH by Gregory Burke at the Barbican
• THE PITMEN PAINTERS by Lee Hall at the Cottesloe
• THAT FACE by Polly Stenham at the Duke Of York’s

BEST NEW COMEDY

• FAT PIG by Neil La Bute at the Comedy
• THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES by Joanna Murray-Smith at the Vaudeville
• GOD OF CARNAGE by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton at the Gielgud

BEST REVIVAL

• THE CHALK GARDEN directed by Michael Grandage at the Donmar
• THE HISTORIES directed by Michael Boyd at the Roundhouse
• THE NORMAN CONQUESTS directed by Matthew Warchus at The Old Vic

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

• Noel Coward’s BRIEF ENCOUNTER at the Cinema Haymarket
• LA CLIQUE at the Hippodrome
• MARIA FRIEDMAN: RE-ARRANGED at Trafalgar Studios 1

BEST NEW MUSICAL

• JERSEY BOYS The Story Of Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe at the Prince Edward
• ZORRO book & lyrics by Stephen Clark, music by The Gipsy Kings, original story by Stephen Clark & Helen Edmundson, music co-composed and adapted by John Cameron at the Garrick

BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL

• LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, book by Harvey Fierstein, based on the play “La Cage Aux Folles” by Jean Poiret, at the Playhouse Theatre.
• PIAF by Pam Gems at the Donmar and Vaudeville
• Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SUNSET BOULEVARD book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, based on the Billy Wilder film at the Comedy
• WEST SIDE STORY based on a conception by Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, entire original production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins at Sadler’s Wells

BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

• Sofia Escobar for WEST SIDE STORY at Sadler’s Wells
• Kathryn Evans for SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Comedy
• Ruthie Henshall for MARGUERITE at the Haymarket
• Elena Roger for PIAF at the Donmar and Vaudeville
• Emma Williams for ZORRO at the Garrick

BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

• Douglas Hodge for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at the Playhouse
• Denis Lawson for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at the Playhouse
• Ryan Molloy for JERSEY BOYS at the Prince Edward
• Matt Rawle for ZORRO at the Garrick

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MUSICAL

• Alexander Hanson for MARGUERITE at the Haymarket
• Katherine Kingsley for PIAF at the Donmar and Vaudeville
• Lesli Margherita for ZORRO at the Garrick
• Jason Pennycooke for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at the Playhouse
• Dave Willetts for SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Comedy

BEST DIRECTOR

• Terry Johnson for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at the Playhouse
• Des McAnuff for JERSEY BOYS at the Prince Edward
• Emma Rice for BRIEF ENCOUNTER at the Cinema Haymarket
• John Tiffany for BLACK WATCH at the Barbican

BEST THEATRE CHOREOGRAPHER

• Rafael Amargo for ZORRO at the Garrick
• Steven Hoggett for BLACK WATCH at the Barbican
• Lynne Page for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at the Playhouse
• Kate Prince for INTO THE HOODS at the Novello
• Sergio Trujillo for JERSEY BOYS at the Prince Edward

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN

• THE CHALK GARDEN designed by Paule Constable at the Donmar
• IVANOV designed by Paule Constable, Donmar at Wyndham’s
• NO MAN’S LAND designed by Neil Austin at the Duke of York’s
• PIAF designed by Neil Austin at the Donmar and Vaudeville

BEST SET DESIGN

• AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY designed by Todd Rosenthal at the Lyttelton
• BRIEF ENCOUNTER designed by Neil Murray, projections by Gemma Carrington and Jon Driscoll at the Cinema Haymarket
• THE HISTORIES designed by Tom Piper at the Roundhouse
• THE LOVER AND THE COLLECTION designed by Soutra Gilmour at the Comedy
• MARGUERITE designed by Paul Brown at the Haymarket

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

• THE HISTORIES designed by Tom Piper and Emma Williams at the Roundhouse
• LA CAGE AUX FOLLES designed by Matthew Wright at the Playhouse
• THE NORMAN CONQUESTS designed by Rob Howell at The Old Vic
• TWELFTH NIGHT designed by Christopher Oram, Donmar at Wyndham’s

BEST SOUND DESIGN

• BLACK WATCH designed by Gareth Fry at the Barbican
• BRIEF ENCOUNTER designed by Simon Baker at the Cinema Haymarket
• JERSEY BOYS designed by Steve Canyon Kennedy at the Prince Edward
• PIAF designed by Christopher Shutt, Max & Ben Ringham at the Donmar and Vaudeville

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN AN AFFILIATE THEATRE

• The ensemble cast of OXFORD STREET, Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court
• The Royal Court Theatre’s production of THE PRIDE, Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
• Clive Rowe for his performance in MOTHER GOOSE at Hackney Empire
• Jo Newbery for the design of SCARBOROUGH, Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court

BEST NEW OPERA PRODUCTION

• The Royal Opera’s DON CARLO at the Royal Opera House
• The Royal Opera’s THE MINOTAUR at the Royal Opera House
• English National Opera’s I PAGLIACCI at the Coliseum
• English National Opera’s PARTENOPE at the Coliseum

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN OPERA

• Patricia Bardon for her performances in The Royal Opera’s THE RAKE’S PROGRESS at the Royal Opera House and English National Opera’s PARTENOPE and RIDERS TO THE SEA at the Coliseum
• Feruccio Furlanetto for his performance in the Royal Opera’s DON CARLO at the Royal Opera House
• Ed Gardner for conducting English National Opera’s BORIS GODUNOV, CAVALLIERA RUSTICANA, DER ROSENKAVALIER, I PAGLIACCI, RIDERS TO THE SEA at the Coliseum and PUNCH AND JUDY at the Young Vic
• Christine Rice for her performances in the Royal Opera’s THE MINOTAUR at the Royal Opera House and English National Opera’s PARTENOPE at the Coliseum

BEST NEW DANCE PRODUCTION

• Pina Bausch Tanztheater Wuppertal’s CAFÉ MULLER/ THE RITE OF SPRING at Sadler’s Wells
• The Royal Ballet of Flanders’ IMPRESSING THE CZAR at Sadler’s Wells
• The Royal Ballet’s INFRA at the Royal Opera House
• DV8’s TO BE STRAIGHT WITH YOU at the Lyttelton

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DANCE

• The company of the Royal Ballet of Flanders for their performances in IMPRESSING THE CZAR at Sadler’s Wells
• The company of the The Royal Ballet for their performances in INFRA
• Savion Glover, Marshall Davis Jr and Maurice Chestnut for their performances in Savion Glover’s BARE SOUNDZ at Sadler’s Wells

At this point all shows will go ahead as planed this evening but should anything change we will contact the affected customers straight away to advise on the options.

You can have a look at the London travel situation here:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modalpages/2625.aspx

Leicester Square Monday 2nd February 2009, 10.38am:

Martin Harvey on winning his award said:

“I’m delighted and honoured to receive this prestigious award. I started out acting and performing from the age of six before moving onto the Royal Ballet School at 11 and went onto to have the most amazing 11 years with the Royal Ballet.”

Martin saw off competition from the English National Ballet’s Esteban Berlanga and Eric Underwood of the Royal Ballet. The Spotlight Award was presented to Martin by Eleanor Bergstein, scriptwriter and creator of the phenomenally successful film and theatre show, Dirty Dancing.

Martin Harvey auditioned for the role of Johnny Castle while still with the Royal Ballet. He had been taking acting classes for several years; however he never expected to get the first part he auditioned for. Martin was on tour in Beijing when he got the call offering him the role, immediately accepted, and says his life turned around in that one phone call: his debut performance in Dirty Dancing was in September 2008.

Since opening at the Aldwych Theatre on 24 October 2006, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage has been seen by over a million people and is now booking for dates through to April 2010 to meet public demand!

Get your London Theatre Tickets for Dirty Dancing Here

Tell me why…I don’t like Mondays?

This new addition will replace the Monday night show, so from Monday 23rd March 2009 the performance schedule for Carousel will be as follows:

If you already have tickets for a Monday evening performance after this date never fear, one of our >>Tactical Theatre Operatives<< will be in contact shortly to assist you with rebooking.

*Please note that Lesley Garrett will play all performances*

These new dates are already locked and loaded in our ingenious booking system, so you can pull the entertainment trigger at will.

Speak soon…

BS

Book your Carousel Theatre Tickets Here

It’s said the unlikely pair and entourage were interrupted in their revalry by smoke and flames, forcing them all to dive head first into the rippling Ocean and avoid injury.

The little craft was soon totally consumed by FIRE sinking to the bottom like a stone, and the horrified unfortunates found their predicament had taken an even more sinister twist…the shivering party was surrounded by a school of Hammerhead Sharks! The Sharks ultimately turned out to be as friendly as Granddad and rescue came within half an hour, so all was well.

Before the boat burning it must have been quite a party with Griff’s humour and Peter’s knack for the macabre combining to cause horrendous sparks of joy. Luckily I can be slightly flippant about it now as no one was hurt. (I’m just off the phone to Stuart, my flippancy lawyer.)

The Woman in Black is the West End’s scariest show, all about a sunken faced ghost woman whose appearance signifies the death of a child! Spooky…and Disturbing!

Funnily enough I’m probably the only person in the country not to have seen a single performance in its 19 year run at the Fortune Theatre,

Why?

Because ghost stories cripple my fear gland, playing on the mind and inducing “Twisted Night Terrors”.

It all started when my Nan showed me a haunted picture in her house. Some black and white distant relatives posing for a family portrait shortly after the death of their eldest son in the Great War, BUT THE SON IS IN THE PICTURE!!!

“We’re going to need a bigger boat”

Let me just take a moment to wish the cast and crew of the boat and shark incident a very a speedy emotional recovery.

BS

Book London Theatre Tickets Here

What I do know is that La Clique is a fantastic spectacle, where performers invariably push their mortality to the limits time and time again! Since starting performances on Oct. 10th, La Clique has been wowing audiences into the wee hours.

The best way I can describe this show is a clever amalgamation of vaudeville, cabaret and a small, delicious dollop of smut. However, this show isn’t all about the temptations of the flesh – oh no! There is a real historical thread in La Clique that suits the Hippodrome perfectly; recalling the old days of this famous London venue.

Originally constructed in 1900 as a water circus with a 100,000 litre pool in which elephants, polar bears and sea lions (oh my!) could be seen, the Hippodrome has hosted performances as wide ranging as escapologist Harry Houdini, Ivor Novello, Judy Garland, and Sugar Ray Robinson. The mood of the current production is typical of the venue after it’s circus days, with dim lighting and - small intimate tables dispersed throughout the circular venue; a very jazzy feel.

As I took in my surroundings, I waited with baited breath for the production. As Mario, Queen of the Circus tried to summarise the events to come, I started to get slightly nervous… I am not someone who copes well with odd and otherwise extremely painful movements/positions that are well beyond my own ample… gymnastic abilities. With acts like, Hanky Panky, Captain Frodo’s contortionism, David O’Mer’s bath time acrobatics, The English Gents and much more – my imagination started to run wild…
After facing my fears, I realised there was more to La Clique than meets the eye! Literally, but we’re all adults here… nothing we haven’t seen before. Okay, well maybe not.

My top three moments were easy to pick out – what were they I hear you ask? Well, if you must know:

3. Miss Behave

Not only was she absolutely adorable, but she had a wonderful stage presence. I found her to be light and funny – and easy on the eyes for the gentleman theatregoers out there. Known as a woman who can swallow both large and sharp objects, Miss Behave can also do amazing tricks with flowers – but be careful… if you’re not looking, she may just guzzle (literally, there was nothing dainty about it) an entire glass of your wine.

2. Captain Frodo

I thought I had reached my limit during this segment of epic contortions, but Frodo was not only immensely talented and able to pull some fantastic stunts, but he was also quite comical about the whole thing! Even while pushing his body through a tennis racquet in the midst of dislocating his shoulder or perhaps balancing with his legs behind his head a top a descending tower of buckets – he was making the crowd giggle. No matter what I was doing in response (covering my eyes, or turning my head downwards), I wasn’t thinking about anything else. Except for the cotton candy machine waiting to be sparked up in the lobby… you would too!

1. David O’Mer

Ahhh… the denim clad Adonis. O’Mer put on the most unusual and entertaining part of the show, with enough acrobatic wonderment to go around! All I’m going to say is that there’s a bathtub, water, and a very long cable… take all of that and add a highly skilled German acrobat that has the talent of a gold medal gymnast and the looks of a Greek God and hey - presto!, you have an equation for pure enjoyment.

If these three highlights aren’t enough to lure you to the Hippodrome and visit La Clique then you have bigger problems… seriously. For some odd reason that you’re not convinced check out this video link or even better - attend the spectacle and see for yourself. You really can only find this kind of show at one place in theatreland… need I say more?

La Clique Tickets Here

Daily Mail – Quentin Letts – 31/10/08

Five Stars

“A total triumph”

“Irresistible”

“Jerry Herman’s witty, melodic, uncomplicated songs”

“A belter of a night out”

Evening Standard – Nicholas de Jongh – 31/10/08

“A sentimental, spectacular show”

“A wonderful chorus of athletic, high-kicking drag queens”

“A world of appealing, comic make-believe”

“Douglas Hodge revels in with seductive élan in Albin’s swishing, simmering drag act”

Whatsonstage.com – Michael Coveney – 31/10/08

Five Stars

“Gorgeous”

“Douglas Hodge gives a knock-out, irresistible performance”

“Terry Johnson’s marvellous production”

“Hodge builds his performance to a storming exit”

“Lynn Page’s stunning choreography”

“A great Broadway show has been re-born as a classic musical comedy with real punch and pizzazz”

Daily Telegraph – Charles Spencer – 01/11/08

“Bravo” At last a musical to sweep away those credit-crunch blues”

“Jerry Herman’s exuberantly tuneful musical”

“This joyous show and Douglas Hodge’s wonderful performance deserve every hurrah and standing ovation they receive”

“As an antidote to the credit-crunch blues, La Cage aux Folles, is unbeatable. And the conspiracy of pleasure Terry Johnson’s production creates seems even more irresistible now”

“This is one of those golden, glowing shows that makes everyone seems welcome”

“It is impossible to praise Hodge’s wonderfully, deeply touching performance too highly. There is a deliciously comic delicacy about his feminine movements, a sense of damaged dignity beyond his outrageous hissy fits”

Thjis is one of those thrilling, high-definition performances that will linger long in the memory of all who see it”

“The boys playing the girls of La Cage bring the house down with their extravagant drag, outrageous rudery and brilliantly choreographed dance routines.

“This is a glorious night of showbiz razzle-dazle and emotional generosity”

The Times – Sam Marlowe – 03/11/08

“Gay old comedy struts with a new vitality”

“Suddenly the West End sparkles: Terry Johnson’s production of this 1983 Jerry Herman / Harvey Fierstein show transfers triumphantly from the small-yet-mighty Menier Chocolate Factory”

“Terry Johnson, aided by Lynn Page’s dazzling choreography, makes a chirpy comedy into a beautiful bird of paradise, glowing with colour, strutting with attitude and all the more effective for the moulting, mangy patches in its bright plumage”

“This is a production that delights”

“Douglas Hodge in full slap and wig assumes magnificence”

“A gut-wrenching, roof-raising rendition of the enduring anthem I Am What I Am”

“Sew on a sequin, slip into some heels and go”

Independent – Michael Coveney – 03/11/08

Five Stars

“This fantastic revival fully restores a great show as a bitter-sweet social classic”

“Herman’s rich, melodic score has been brilliantly adapted by Jason Carr”

The Guardian – Michael Billington – 01/11/08

Five Stars

“Douglas Hodge’s St. Tropez transvestite bestrides the stage like a camp Colossus”

“The chief glory of this revival, however is Hodge’s rhinestoned Albin, which proves once again that inside most legit actors is a vaudevillian act to be let out”

“A display of energy unrivalled on a West End stage”

“A showbiz landmark”

Independent on Sunday – Kate Bassett – 02/11/08

“A joyous triumph”

“Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein’s joyously camp musical”

“This show is a triumph for the London Fringe’s Menier Chocolate Factory”

“Lawson reveals his natty panache, launching into flurries of tap and nimbly balancing on the tip of his chaise longue. He can croon a tune admirably too”

“Douglas Hodge is simply wonderful in a spangled frock, and a hilarious and adorable blend of burliness and effable sweetness. His softly smiling relationship with the audience is enchanting. His fey mannerisms are comically spot-on”

Sunday Express – Mark Shenton – 02/11/08

Five Stars

“Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein’s blissfully tuneful and funny musical farce, and the spectacular new West End production, is full of heart and fun”

“Douglas Hodge plays the role of drag queen Albin with a dazzling and sinuating brilliance”

La Cage aux Folles Tickets Here

But wait, before you denounce me as an arrogant little twerp who has “Gone a little too far this time”, let me first offer my excuses, and the REAL reason I can so highly endorse the title of my own post…

I STOLE IT!

Let me rephrase that…I did not actually steal it, but this special headline was really the brainchild of “Jeff” (our wonderful in-house computer programmer) who sits right opposite me on the third floor of Discount Theatre towers. He had this inspired thought whilst wading though the multitude of 0s + 1s that keep our particular ship in good shape.

So not only is he responsible for the easy and secure booking system you have no doubt come to know and love over the last couple of years, but now he is also going to be my first port of call for snappy blog titles as well!

Another reason this made me smile ominously is that like all the best headlines throughout history, it surreptitiously explains exactly what the subject matter is whilst leaving plenty of room for the required intrigue and infamy that makes this a must-read, eyeball-magnet for all true theatre fans…

Now let’s get to the point; an amazing announcement has just been made that unites two mighty Shakespearian powers into an event that will rock “Mother Theatre” to her very foundations. I’m going to call this next part “One Play to Rule Them All” for reasons that will become very clear.

IAN MCKELLEN AND PATRICK STEWART ARE SET TO STAR IN SAMUEL BECKETT’S

WAITING FOR GODOT

Yes these two home-grown Hollywood heavyweights, and veterans of the stage join forces to play Beckett’s famous Tramps in a special UK tour, but more importantly (for us Londoners anyway) at The Theatre Royal Haymarket!

When “Waiting For Godot” first hit the stage back in the 50’s it was kind of panned by an ultra conservative British public who where too busy smoking on the tube and flogging their children to be bothered about a couple of Hobos merrily passing the time of two days waiting for their elusive Godot.

But as sure as eggs is eggs the play soon ingrained itself into the public consciousness and was promptly hailed as a “Modern Classic” for which Mr. Beckett was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Just to clarify; we’re talking about Sam Beckett the playwright:

Not the Quantum Leaping time traveler:

As Patrick Stewart knows from his many real life experiences aboard the Starship Enterprise, you can’t have a really successful mission in theatre or space without a great captain at the helm…

So to make sure Mekellen and Stewart “Boldly go where no actors have gone before” acclaimed director Sean Mathias will take charge and steer The Good Ship Godot towards “Warp-Ticket-Selling-Speed” when the play opens in April 2009. (ENOUGH WITH THE PUNS ME THINKS!)

By the way, I saw Patrick Stewart at Green Park station last year and was really tempted to run after him like some kind of crazed superfan screaming “Sign me Patrick, Sign me…Sign My Face!!!” though unfortunately I had already tapped-in and had to let him escape. But who knows what might happen when the play opens literally 1 minute form where I work…keep an eye on the London Lite for amazing pictures of me embarrassing myself!

Booking From: Thursday, 30 April 2009
Booking Until: Sunday, 28 June 2009

Venue: Haymarket Theatre Royal
Address: Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4H

P.S Hey Amigo! If you agree that this is definitely a once in a lifetime kind of occasion then I’m sure you’ll want to get your tickets early before they totally sell out: Here’s the Waiting for Godot link.

There are shows in the west end right now that can actually help you live longer, healthier and happier lives. Here’s how…

*I’m about to get a little spiritual on your ass, but stick with me because there’s a valuable theatre fable in here somewhere!*

This week (apart from theatre excursions) I have mostly been listening to the Tony Robbins audio tapes, and for the uninitiated Robbins is one of those really obnoxious American motivators who teaches how to live your life, and love your God to the max!

So whilst pounding packed streets back to my Earls Court homestead (dodging tramps and happy shoppers) I’ve been filling my ears with success techniques form the American maverick who always finishes his broadcasts with the sickly sweet catchphrase LIVE WITH PASSION.

Is This A Big Bunch Of Bull? (You Deicide)

Lesson #1

The first lesson I learned from Tony was the Law of Attraction which suggests:

“Whatever you think about consistently will show up in your life as if by magic.”

This worked for me right-out-the-box because all day long I was thinking about cooking Sirloin Steak in foaming butter / Olive Oil, and when I got home I was Magically carrying a Waitrose bag full of all the ingredients to make Sirloin Steak in foaming butter / Olive Oil, plus the *bonus* side dish of sautéed potatoes with spring onion. I literally manifested it right out of thin air and all it took was money and effort.

== >> Interesting fact: Sirloin Steak is called Sirloin steak because Henry VIII gave it a Knighthood. He thought it was scrummy too…

Lesson #2

The next thing was a concept for planning important projects called “OPA” which stands for Outcome>Purpose>Action. (It’s crucial to do it in that order.)

Here’s my OPA plan for this post; the idea is to exaggerate a little which helps with enthusiasm, passion and mental juice.

OUTCOME: Inspire the Oliver Awards ‘People’ to create a new category called “The Theatre Blogging Lifetime Achievement Award” in my honour.

PURPOSE: Because want to enrich the humanity with timely theatre titbits.

ACTION: Type like buggery for two hours, drink Starbucks, then come back and edit the shambles of words I’ve created into something that sounds kind of theatre related.

Lesson #3

The third and most theatre relevant concept in this magical three part symphony is that:

Laughter can be a REAL cure for many of Man’s problems.

.
To illustrate his point Mr Robbins tells the story of a young woman who is diagnosed with a terrible disease, and instead of going through the long-winded traditional medical treatments buys the entire box set of Sex and the City DVDs. Can you guess what happened?

CURED!

After hearing this unbelievable FACT I noticed a little cough had taken root in my throat and decided to run a test. My medicine would not be Tixylix but an absolute Only Fools and Horses FEST in a darkened room…

20 hours later my little cough HAD GONE…only to be replaced by a pulsing migraine and mild vitamin E deficiency. SO IT WORKED!

WHAT on Earth has all this got to do with Theatre?

Well as if by the magic of perfect comedy timing, no sooner has this new Laughter Cure discovery come to public attention, than the West End seems to be overrun by some of TV’s best loved comedy heroes! Breaking down invisible theatre barriers and pitching up in some of London’s most cherished venues, these comedy Fat Cats are leaving a trail of broken sales records in their wake.

YES comedians have truly invaded the West End like some medieval Roman Garrisons building the straightest roads to hilarity that the world has ever seen. Accompanied on their flights of fantastic fancy by a loyal army of fans and a ‘Grizzly Death-Move’ which involves taking an innocent member of the audience and literally splitting their sides open with well observed humor.

So without further ado here are the Holy Trinity of Funsters who are set to hold the capital under hilarious siege in coming months.

French and Saunders - Still Alive

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The “Final Tour” as Britain’s most popular duo call time or their 30 year partnership with this lap of honour. You can expect to witness some of their most famous and memorable sketches in this wet-your-knickers show at the Theatre Royal!

French Says: Dawn French was the first person every to say “Blowjob” on national television, so happily they will always have their little place in the annals of history…

Venue: Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Booking From: Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Booking Until: Saturday, 08 November 2008

Billy Bailey - Tinselworm

Apparently Bill Bailey has perfect pitch which means if you go up to him and say “Hey Bill sing me and E” he will go “EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE” and that will be exactly the same as a perfect E on the Piano. Isn’t that wild!

Bill Says: Terrible lyrics from The Killers “I’ve got soul/but I’m not a soldier”, you might as well say “I’ve got ham/but I’m not a hamster.”

My girlfriend saw old Bill and his little son on the train the other day and wants me to urge you to book tickets because he seemed like a really loving father, patiently answering zillions of questions with a mild mannered benevolence.

But I know that YOU don’t care about all that mushy stuff and just want the HARD FACTS:

So I absolutely guarantee that this show will make you cry TEARS OF JOY :====

Venue: Gielgud Theatre
Booking From: Monday, 10 November 2008
Booking Until: Saturday, 20 December 2008

Eddie Izzard - Stripped

The Python influenced comedian who describes himself as a “male lesbian” is back doing what he does best after the small matter of conquering American TV and film.

Eddie Says: “So… I’ve decided there’s no God.”

My earliest recolection of Eddie Izzard is that his gigs would often come on just after Eurotrash. His crossdressing comedy missiles were always the perfect pudding after a heavy session of Eurotrash watching.

Venue: *Coming Soon*
Booking From: *Coming Soon*
Booking Until: *Coming Soon*

Laughter is no JOKE, depressing entertainment BE GONE!

I’ve decided that I’m no longer going to watch any of the following TV shows as they are ruining my juice and passion for life:

• Girl With 8 Legs
• The Man Who Ate His Lover
• Half-Ton Man
• She Stole My Fetus
• Update: I’m Glad I Ate My Legs
• The Boy Who Gave Birth To His Twin
• The Man Who Slept for 19 Years
• The 80-year-old Children
• The Two-Headed Baby!!!

No instead I’m going to spend every waking minute either attending fun-filled family theatre or watching classic comedy episodes from TV past, present and future.

You plonkers…

Cheap london theatre tickets

Boasting 5 star reviews, the Norman Conquests is showing until December 20th for a limited run. Director Matthew Warchus (Speed-the-Plow, God of Carnage and Lord of the Rings) brilliantly displays a quirky, free spirited librarian’s clouded attempt to make women happy by showering them with love.

For those of you who have yet to see the show (s) let me take you on a little verbal tour through the hilarious and interesting play that is The Norman Conquests. Broken into three interwoven productions: Table Manners, Living Together, and Round and Round the Garden; this trilogy involves six family members who have gone away to a country house together for a weekend. The action surrounds one character in particular, Norman (Stephen Mangan), who attempts to seduce his wife’s sister and his brother-in-law’s wife, while managing to keep his own spouse relatively happy. That’s right, not one but all the women in his life… talk about a scandal! After viewing all three plays - believe me, it’s much more than a story about a man who clearly has less in common with his own wife than he does Russell Brand.

Three Plays in One!

Each part of the production takes place in a different location. Table Manners is set in a dining room, Living Together in a sitting room, and Round and Round the Garden situated in the gardens of the country home. I was tickled pink as the story unfolded - the characters interact with one another oozing wit and frustration. Each location provides a different mood to explore; watch as Norman’s adulterous tendencies become not so secret to the other guests!

A couple questions to ask yourself while watching: are Norman’s efforts genuine or is he taking his nerdy Don Juan alter ego to the limit? How much damage will he inflict on the objects of his affection?

Overall, this contemporary depiction of a funny family reunion is a must see this autumn. As a “trilogy of masterpieces” (The Daily Express), The Norman Conquests explores issues of love, lonliness, sex and marriage. This is a highly accessible show with the ability to take you instantly through a pit of your own failed relationships, with a moment of clarity to follow; an insight into your own soul perhaps?

With tickets selling from £30 to see the individual productions, who knows, it may be cheaper than an overpriced psychologist or if you ARE like Russell Brand, a fortnight in a sex addiction clinic!

The best part is – the next time I’m back at the infamous Old Vic, it will be an entirely new experience. God I love the theatre!!!

London Theatre Tickets / Theatre Tickets

One of the biggest reasons Edith Piaf has been such an enduring icon is that despite the millions of words written in books and biographies, much of her life is still shrouded in mystery. Happily many intriguing legends have replaced boring old facts.

So to wet your appetite for the show (which opens at the Vaudeville Theatre on October 18th) here are a few of my favourites:

Born on the Pavement (Truth Rating 3/10)

Let’s kick off our run down right at the beginning, the very moment when little Edith took her first tiny breath in this cruel cruel world. Legend suggests that she was born right on the street, and when I say street I mean that her crash mat was the cold hard pavement. I was born at ‘Queen Charlotte’s Hospital’ in Hammersmith so I can only imagine the scene… screaming, scratching, lots of blood, cats looking on in wonder, men selling fruit from scruffy stalls, children playing with dog poo.

Honestly that does not sound like a very sterile environment in which birth a young infant. If I look out my window here, onto the streets of Leicester Square I can see a number of weird looking men with overlong beards and floppy cigarettes supposedly tiding up, and I must admit that London does feel a little bit cleaner recently. But the streets of Paris back in 1915 must have been teaming with nasty parasites just waiting to pounce on a little baby.

I wouldn’t have lasted a week with all those germs, not with my sickly constitution…

What’s in a name? (Truth Rating 5/10)

The Edith part of Edith Piaf’s name supposedly comes from the heroic British nurse Edith Cavell, who in World War 1 risked life and limb to transport injured British and French troops back to neutral territory. Unfortunately she was caught and sent to the firing squad, but became a martyr and hero for many people during the war, and a number of little babies were awarded the name in her honour.

The Piaf part develops many years later when fans attending her live performances were shocked to see how very small the woman was, only four feet ten inches! After saying “Ooo isn’t she small” the nickname Piaf was given, meaning “Little Sparrow” in French. (Not that I speak French you understand, apart from “Je M’Appelle Ben, et c’est mon freind Chris” and “Je voudrais roast beouf.”)

Personally I will name my two unborn daughters Sandalwood 1 and Sandalwood 2, for I believe a spirit from wood and trees runs through us all…

P.S

Why are older people called: Ethel, Maureen, Margret, Phyllis and Enoch…?

And younger people called: Flash, Imagen, Shy, Peaches, Pixies, Brooklyn, Apple, Romeo and Tiger…?

Weird…

Raised by Prostitutes (Truth Rating 8/10)

Before enlisting to help fight World War 1, Edith’s father called up his mother and said “Hi Mum, I’m just off to help fight World War 1, would you mind watching the baby for me until I get back”. His Mother said “SURE!”

The only slight issue here was that Edith’s grandmother was the madam of a Paris brothel, which for some ‘Bleeding Heart Liberals’ might not sound like ideal place to bring up an innocent young girl.

But by all accounts little Edith had a whale of a time making friends with the women there, allowing herself to be fussed over and adopted as their little cherub of sin.

Let there be sight (Truth Rating 5/10)

Another rumor I’ve often heard is that Edith lost her sight when she was three due to a nasty condition called Keratitis, in which the eye’s cornea becomes inflamed.

Cue a piece of amazing kindliness on the part of her grandmother’s brothel women who scrimped and saved, pooling their money they sent Edith on a religious pilgrimage resulting in sight being restored.

It’s a miracle….

CDs in 1946 (Truth Rating 0/10)

Finally the music world catches on and realizes that Edith Piaf has just the right mixture of talent and tragedy to sell bucket loads of CDs, which were invented right after the World War 1 to boost moral. (Just like our latter-day Pop Idols who always seem to be most successful when struggling with some kind of drug abuse or family tragedy.)

Club owner Louis Leplée was first to discover Edith singing on the streets and persuaded her to perform at his establishment even though she had crushing stage fright.

That was it, everybody loved the ‘Little Sparrow’ and the world became her oyster card.

Ello Ello (Truth Rating 1/10)

During World War 2 Edith was branded ‘Traitor’ due to her frequent performances for the German troops, although she always maintained that throughout this period she was really working as a double agent for the French resistance, and used her position and popularity to aid the war effort.

That sounds kind of feasible to me, so I think I’m going to believe it wholeheartedly. It’s like my mother always says, “Don’t let questionable morals get in the way of an enjoyable iTunes playlist, apart from when it comes to Gary Glitter!”

Biggest Star in the Universe (Truth Rating 10/10)

Due to her rather colorful lifestyle Edith Paif was denied a funeral mass by the Roman Catholic archbishop when she died. But 100.000 people came along anyway, and Paris descended into complete chaos and standstill for a good few hours.

A qwerky Russian astronomer even named a tiny little planet in memory of the singing-pocket-rocket, planet 3772 Piaf.

Theatre Tickets / London Theatre Tickets

2x Hamlet London = Once in a lifetime…

It is not often that such a monumental occasion graces the West-End; but frankly I’m looking forward to it. I’m not a huge Dr.Who fan (stop waving your fists about, I watched Tennant in Harry Potter and loved it!), but I have come to know that this role has been institutionalised in Britain; Tennant packs a lot of heat. As for Jude “man-pretty” Law, his credits in the silicone (oops, did I just say that?) valley of Hollywood is more notable than his previous stints on stage with Oscar Nominations strapped to his proverbial belt. Do you think he’ll be allowed to slather on the bronzer by the way? Law’s Hamlet may need a sun-kissed glow… it is seemingly his red carpet standby.

So, where and when can we expect the showdown? You want the dirty details?  Be prepared for a theatrical battle set to commence this 3rd of December as the RSC version will kick off at the Novello Theatre. The Donmar’s production of Hamlet isn’t scheduled to ignite until May 29th allowing the Royal Shakespeare Company to hit up Theatreland first.

It is no secret that David Tennant is a well trained actor with plenty of experience on stage and enough praise to last him a lifetime. Performances of the RSC production finish in Stratford-Upon-Avon on Nov. 15th after a great run that began in July ‘08.  It has been wagered that this contemporary version of Hamlet (which sees Tennant looking like a straight-up bum in some scenes) will differ in many ways to the Donmar interpretation, to be directed by the talented Kenneth Branagh (so I have a crush…don’t judge me).

David Tennant

As Hamlet, Tennant was said to transfer his “Dr.Who” persona impeccably to the stage; encapsulating the intense tragedy and despair with comedic flare. His active and engaging spirit was boasted to capture audiences. A BBC review called him “one of the funniest and well portrayed Hamlets in history.” Teaming up with Shakespearean pro Patrick Stewart (who plays Claudius), Tennant brought an interpretation that only a well-timed comedian can dish out. And if rave reviews weren’t enough for this wide-eyed funny man; performances at the Novello sold out in a mere 6 hours – crashing phone lines to boot. Talk about crazed fans!!!

Jude Law

What about our beloved Jude??? I know I had some unfavourable comments in relation to his career and public persona – but come on… it’s too easy. I feel someone who has relied so heavily on their looks will inevitably be put through the ringer as they make more serious professional decisions. So deal with it!

One thing is for sure the Donmar Company is happy to have him. Artistic Director Michael Grandage was quoted stating: “Jude is a muscular and visceral actor… and will provide a different take on versions we have seen before.” Clearly, the creative team at the Donmar and Branagh are behind Law 100% - with his drooling fans to follow. Plus Law has said time and time again that he longed to play the Dane; so the drive and passion exist.

The speculation does not lie with who will put more bums in seats, or who wanted the role more. Rather, who will be the better Hamlet London will witness??? Let’s face it; Tennant has had success on stage that Law has yet to achieve. But perhaps Law can rise from his glossy Hollywood background and take the stage with vigour! All in all, Jude will have to brood (ooh I made a rhyme) like he never has before in order to compete with the Dr. Who native. This could be his chance to prove to everyone that he’s not just a pretty face. The proof is in the pie people. Let us pray it won’t taste like feet…

Theatre Tickets / London Theatre Tickets Here

Now let’s see the master in action:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Take a hit West End musical, and transform it into a high budget glitzy movie starring Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones or Pears Brosnan. Then sit back on your private yacht with the champagne and Honeyz all around, and watch the $$$$ roll in.

I can almost hear the unscrupulous movie producers’ distorted minds ticking over through the din of cocaine-induced jitters and gurning: “It worked with Chicago, now let’s do it with The Producers. It kind of worked with The Producers, now let’s do it with Mamma Mia!. And by God did it work with Mamma Mia!, let’s do it with Wicked next fall.”

So basically this concept works out great for all involved, Catherine Zeta-Jones is happy because she becomes even more worthy of her marriage to ‘alleged’ sex addict Michael Douglas; the movie producers are happy because they can pay the tab on their lives of sin and debauchery; and the shows are grateful for the additional interest, because there is no denying that movie exposure puts fresh pink booty on seats.

But an interesting role reversal has been taking place recently, because now it seems that kind and virtuous West End theatre producers (who seem in most ways to be the direct opposites of their movie counterparts) are returning the favour, and using some of cinemas best-loved offerings as inspiration for new shows. The first of these being Rain Man at the Apollo Theatre, based on the Oscar-winning film staring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, closely followed by Edward Scissorhands in December (although it was actually on stage a while back, too), and an exciting production of Sister Act proposed for the New Year.

As some of you may already know, I take great pride in having aspirations far above my station. So it seems only right for me to take the incredible liberty of putting together a list of films that I am 100% certain will make more than a billion pounds a piece when my sound advice is heeded, and they are turned into the next exciting crop of West End shows. Just sit back in a firm chair, and let the theatrical genius wash over you like a comforting summertime wave???

Walk The Line – The Johnny Cash Musical

With the recent success of Jersey Boys and the Johnny Cash movie I think the world is now more than ready for a show all about the life and times of The Man In Black. It follows Johnny from his humble beginnings as a little cotton-picker in Arkansas and radio operator in the Air Force, through his meteoric rise to musical superstardom, and finally the inevitable drug addiction.

Of course, the show would have to end on a high with the now legendary moment when a drugged-up and strung-out Cash crawls into Nickajack’s Cave to die… only to hear the voice of God telling him: “Turn your life around,” and “Get back to singing those infections Country Hits”. (God evidently loves Country music.) For the die-hard Cash fans out there, you’ll know that he had his own personal Jesus.

*Update 26/09/08* Some little scoundrel on Broadway stole my idea, and is now enjoying riches that are rightfully mine! I’m very angry and resentful - I really want my riches!

Star Trek The Next Generation - The Next Generation of Musical

Before I die (hopefully hundreds of years from now in a house made of money), I must see Patrick Stewart in a musical version of Star Trek - singing and dancing, and doing a mass Bogel routine with Beverly Crusher and her little sprog Wesley. With Patrick’s little bald head properly powdered to save annoying reflection from the stage lights, this would surely be an interplanetary hit!

Clockwork Orange – The Banned Musical

Okay, so I think we’ll have to book a nice little theatre in Amsterdam for this production, otherwise we’re looking at an instant ban from the Mary Whitehouse mob (if they still exist). But on the bright side we can experience all the wonders that the amazing city has to offer. Like Anne Frank’s house, beautiful canals, multi-coloured tulips… and SEX!!! Whoops, did I write that out loud.

Rocky 1 - The Musical

This is my most self-indulgent of choices because Rocky is my guilty pleasure. For some reason I love every Rocky film ever made! Yes even Rocky IV with the Russian…

Rocky cast album out now featuring these classic songs:

1. Your not a fighter, you’re a bum
2. If he dies, he dies
3. Yo, Adrian! It’s me, Rocky!
4. You’re gonna eat lightning, and you’re gonna crap thunder!
5. If you stop this fight I’ll kill you
6. If I can change, and you can change, everybody can change
7. Get up you son of a bitch, ‘cos Mickey loves ya!

Pre-order your copy now… from my mind.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

This would make such a great show - I can’t believe it has not been done already! All the fun of the classic film, but live on stage!!! Pack it with hilarious singing and dancing routines, and the punters will be itching for tickets. We’ll just have to put our heads together and think of a catchy title, maybe something like Corned Beefalot or Luncheon Meatalot.

We might also let Eric Idle be involved if he begs, because interestingly enough he used to write much of the music for the Python films.

Big Bang Day - The Musical

The show starts with a strange blend of mechanical noises and babies crying that crescendos slowly to a near-climactic point… then a countdown starts though the barrage of dry ice:

Five…
Four…
Three …
Two…
One… One… One… One

Suddenly, the whole theatre is plunged into darkness, everything goes black, and metal restraints grasp the hands of every audience member as they experience five hours of ‘Black Hole Theatre’ (I’m patenting it as I type), followed by dinner at Pulcinella for £37.50 per person.

That concludes my list of magical new musicals for the future - see you in the next post!

Theatre Tickets Book Here

But what happens to the losers? Oooh, no, that sounds too harsh – let’s call ‘em ‘close runners-up’. Where are they now? Well, I’m happy to say a lot of them are doing very well (he says smoothly, as if he has Sex and the City-style cocktail nights with them all on a regular basis)…

Rachel Tucker

Who narrowly missed being cast as Nancy, has just landed herself her first West End leading lady role. The Belfast-born brunette bombshell (not easy to say after a few SATC-style cocktails) takes over the part of the sassy rebel ‘Meat’ in Queen and Ben Elton’s hit musical WE WILL ROCK YOU from Monday 22nd September.  She told me (okay, so she told everyone else, too): “It is a dream part. WE WILL ROCK YOU is one of my favourite shows. I first saw it when I was a student at the Royal Academy [name-dropper], and loved it. I am beside myself with excitement. I just can’t believe it.” Well, believe it, baby, ‘cos I’m gonna be there on the front row with a pair of highly aerodynamic Y-fronts at the ready… As the great Freddie Mercury once sung: “I am a sex machine ready to reload, like an atom bomb, about to oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, explode.”

Ben James-Ellis

The Joseph semi-finalist, has hit the big time, too. He now has to don more hairspray than my nonagenarian grandmother to keep his hair in place for, yes, you guessed it - HAIRSPRAY… and what a role to land! The musical comedy has won more awards than I’ve had skinny lattés – winning Best Musical at the Olivier Awards 2008, the Critics Circle Awards 2008, the What’s On Stage Theatregoers Choice Awards 2008 and the Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2007… how very greedy.

Daniel Boys

Lee Mead’s other fellow contestant Daniel Boys is doing pretty damn well, too. And I’m over the moon for him. In fact, I’m happy to admit that I like Boys. The ‘close runner-up’ on Any Dream Will Do can be seen nightly with his hand up the backside of a puppet in AVENUE Q. Well, someone’s gotta do it. If I had been a doctor like my mother wanted instead of a theatre guru, I would no doubt have been doing similar things to real people. Alas, these things are not to be dwelled upon…

Nor, indeed, is the whereabouts of the other ‘close runners-up’ to be dwelled upon… Only kidding, there are just too many of ‘em to mention here. If you know where they are now, drop me a line. You understand, of course, that I’m not encouraging stalking… but, as Oscar Wilde once said: “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at [read ‘stalking’]the stars.”

So today, by way of a follow-up, I can present some exclusive rehearsal pictures from one of the exciting productions mentioned in that article - the much-anticipated No Man’s Land. This is the production of the Harold Pinter penned play starring funny man David Walliams, as well Michael Gambon, David Bradley and Nick Dunning.

“How is this possible?!” I hear you ask “Is Discount Theatre literally in league with the Devil?!” you scream, “How on earth could such amazing images have been procured without the aid of torture and tyranny?!”

Well, keep your hair on for just a minute and I will tell all…

Introducing Our Man on the Inside

I was sitting at my computer in Discount Theatre Towers the other day when the phone rang, and a peculiar person with a shaky Russian accent said in a harsh squawk: “Meet me on the dirty bench in Leicester Square in two minutes precisely.” As you can imagine, my ‘This is a theatre exclusive’ senses soared off the chart, so I surreptitiously got up from my wheely chair, and walked the short distance through the busy streets to the square. Beer-bellied men who probably liked eating pies and supporting West Ham were setting up the premiere of the new Keira Knightley film with strange super fans, stalkers and weirdos already lining up to glimpse the subject of their obsessive episodes.

I found the putrid bench, and sat down looking at my watch in scorn, and enjoying the fact that my mysterious phone friend was about to be late. With seconds to spare I noticed him dressed in a raincoat, trilby, and novelty dark glasses trying to sneak up and sit next to me without my knowing. I played along, and looked the other way…

Mysterious Person: “Don’t look at me I’m going to get up in a moment, and leave an envelope on the bench. If you want to live, do not try to follow me.”

Me: “Why are you speaking in that fake Russian accent?”

Mysterious Person: “Silence!!! In the envelope you will find exclusive rehearsal pictures for the new play NO MAN’S LAND, starring funny man David Walliams, as well as Michael Gambon, David Bradley and Nick Dunning. You are free to use them as you wish but if I find out that you have not properly credited the ingenious (not to mention handsome and debonair) photographer Marc Brenner I will have your balls in a bowl of lovingly prepared goulash faster than you can sing Long Live the King!”

That was it! No-one was going to have my balls and get away unscathed. It was time to confront my adversary and impart some rough justice and more than just a little piece of my mind. But when I turned to look my gift horse in the mouth he had vanished, leaving only a tiny green stain on the bench and the aforementioned envelope in its place.

My first fear was for some kind of anthrax attack on Discount Theatre Towers so I could not bring the envelope back to the office straight away for fear of an outbreak. I found my way down into the Gentlemen’s toilet to take one for the team.

With sweat pouring from my forehead / arm-pits and blood rushing through my heart, I carefully opened the package, and eased the contents free holding my breath…

Happily the amazing pictures emblazoned around this post fell out, rather than some low-grade biological WMD. Phew!

Who, or what, gave me these pictures is still a mystery, but all I can say is that I’m glad he’s on my side, and not with the enemy.

The Reviews are in…

Below you will find a very interesting review from the current run at the Gate Theatre Dublin, before the play transfers to London on September 20th. It’s amazing, the praise just keeps on Dublin and doubling and doubling…

I’m sorry comedy

No Man’s Land Tickets - Click Here

When I was just a slip of a little lad there was one special night every year that would often cause me just as much excitement as Christmas Eve, and that’s really saying something because Christmas Eve would send me spasmodic!

The sacred and holy night of which I speak was the extra special evening when a super-sarcastic Terry Wogan would expand my musical pallet into new European territories that had once seemed unimaginable. As the perceptive little tykes among you know, I’m clearly talking about the genius concept that is The Eurovision Song Contest.

Excitement for Eurovision would boil and simmer for months before, kicking off with “A Song for Europe” in which the benevolent governments of the day would grant the British public our democratic right to vote on the power melody that would hopefully elevate us to the heady heights of musical glory. Although it would always frustrate me when inevitably my countrymen would make a hideous gaff and our song would turn out to be, well……….poo!

On the week of the big show Mummy would splash out on the Radio Times which would be totally covered with imagines pertaining to the event. And inside there would be a little write-up of each country and a card to mark down the score, which Daddy would Photostat to save on family arguments. Then we would sit back in comfy chairs and watch as the strange events of the night unfolded before our very eyes. All delivered via a trusty satellite beaming from distant and far off lands such as Ireland.

The reason I’m telling you about this rather marvellous period of my life is not because counselling can be expensive and I see this as the next best thing. But more because I want to lay the perfect groundwork to tell you about a new show that is set to be a juggernaut of a spectacular West End hit factory. So get ready and get set, maybe even sit down in case you faint while I tell you about the new phenomenon that is EUROBEAT.

Eurobeat Cometh

We have known about the imminent arrival of this show for a few months now, but I did not really get the idea of it to start with. My first impressions were from the bold tag line which reads, “WARNING - Do not wear mascara to Eurobeat.” In my mind this either meant that the producers were very big on animal welfare or some big laughs the show would have.

I’m always sceptical about such claims and reserve judgment in the bank of my heart until the key of proof is placed in my hand. But all of a sudden I started to hear these great noises coming from the Edinburgh Festival about this new show “taking the mick out of Eurovision” and “you can vote for your favourite songs by text message” and “the songs are hilarious” and “they give you national flags when you go in the theatre!” I was intrigued.

YouTube is my friend, so I hit the site to see what all the fuss was about, now I’m really hooked. The clip starts with the ever-lovable Terry Wogan introducing the show in his inimitable style before transporting the viewer to a parallel Eurovision universe with more funny musical stereotypes than you could shake a packet of cocktail sticks at. See for yourself:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Eurobeat Quiz for You and Your Friends

Are you the type of person that likes crushing your friends, making them feel small and insignificant with the incredible size of your brain and theatre-based knowledge?

If so shame on you, but here’s a little Eurobeat Tickets quiz to help you dazzle and amaze!

Question 1
Which 90s comedy hero starred in the first run of Eurobeat up Edinburgh way?
Answer
Would you believe me if I said Gareth from Hale and Pace fame? (Where on god’s earth did those guys go?)

Question 2
How is the winner decided in Eurobeat?
Answer
For the first time in history the audience have a major role in deciding the outcome of the show by text voting for favourite songs.

Question 3
Which former Family Fortunes host is going to take the Hale and Pace role in West End Version?
Answer
Yes, you guessed it, Les Denis fresh from his triumphant appearance in Extras is set to star as the children entertainer and host of the song contest. Which probably means its time for a more serious question…

Question 4
Is Les Denis cool again?
Answer
“I don’t really know, Rita.”

The Big Finish in Honour of Les Denis

We asked 100 people to name the new show that’s going to be a massive hit in the West End, you said Gone With The Wind. Our survey said…………… EHHH EHHH.

We asked the same 100 people to stop messing about and name the show that’s really going to be the next west end super hit? You reconsidered for a second and then said Eurobeat. Our survey said………..Bing!

Eurobeat opens on September 4th at the Novello Theatre London and you can go right ahead and book your tickets now.

Eurobeat Tickets Click Here

London’s West End theatreland is thriving despite the credit crunch, according to theatre tickets specialist discounttheatre.com, but price savvy audiences are now looking to the Web to save money on seats and meals.

Discount Theatre

Echoing the Society of London Theatre report that showed London Theatre is currently going through a boom time, Discount Theatre has seen the demand for popular West End shows increase by 20% during May and June demonstrating that people want to forget all the gloomy economic predictions with a night out at the theatre.

Said Discount Theatre Marketing Director Chris Ryan: “Our figures are in-line with the holiday industry in showing that people are so fed up with the doom mongers that they are determined to have a good time. But they still want a bargain. The average customer is a lot more price savvy now and they know that top theatre tickets for a hit West End show don’t have to cost £60 - and they needn’t spend a lot of money on dinner either”.

“In order to increase sales year on year we have been busy creating unique offers for our discerning customers who have the nose for an on-line bargain. This latest promotion has the industry in a spin including, “Free West End theatre tickets when you buy a night in a 4-star London Hotel!” (Valid 21st July - 7th September) This is a good example of how to leverage strong links within the travel industry to provide short break deals that would be unthinkable for many other London Theatre Tickets web sites.”

Web sites such as discounttheatre.com save customers up to and over 50% on the price of ticket, and by combining a theatre ticket and meal deal they can see a popular show and have dinner at a nearby restaurant for as little as £22.

To help keep down the price of the whole theatre experience Discount Theatre has come up with a five point plan:

1. Search on-line, and in particular look at the special deals sections of web sites such as discounttheatre.com.
2. Save money and make life easier by selecting a meal deal. This will usually give you tickets and a meal for the standard ticket price.
3. Buy your train tickets to London as soon as you have booked your theatre tickets - and save money on bargain rail fares. Check out: nationalrail.co.uk.
4. Register for an Oyster card before coming to London - it makes travel on the Underground much cheaper. Do this at: tfl.gov.uk/oyster.
5. If you’re coming from further afield book a hotel package. Discountheatre.com can put together great ticket and hotel packages for less than the price of a the room.

Said Discount Theatre Ecommerce Manager Thibaud Defretiere: “By constantly improving the user experience, offering guaranteed seat numbers at time of booking and keeping up to speed with the latest technologies, we can ensure that our deals are easily bookable, involving as few steps as possible for the user . Combined with the launch of our highly-anticipated membership area, which offers further discounts for its members, this has increased returning visitors by an impressive 50%. Furthermore, our sales figures for July so far are 40% up compared to the same period last year!”

Discount Theatre can save theatre-goers money on all West End shows, even the latest offerings such as Zorro, or classics like Les Miserables, We Will Rock You and Sound Of Music.

Added Chris Ryan: “By making a few smart moves people can come and see shows like Woman in Black - and stay in the black”.

So what is this biblical, neigh apocalyptic question that’s on the lips of every thinking man in the modern world I hear you ask? Well if you’re very sure you can take it, here goes, but remember - with great power comes great responsibility:

**Can a TV comedian cross the boundaries of light entertainment on the goggle box and be taken seriously in the infamously harsh and critical world of serious London theatre?**

It’s quite a poser, I think you’ll agree vehemently. So to try and find an answer to the question that has flummoxed the worlds top minds, I have put together three case studies that should be able to tip the scales one way or tuther as granny would say.

Case Study 1 – Rob Mitchell in Fat Pig

The first of these three proactive comedians to take the tentative steps into live action theatre is Rob Mitchell who plays the drug toting, mother debasing looser Jeremy in the (in my opinion) hilarious Peep Show. I think the rules state that I’m allowed to give my opinions as this is not currently election time.

This production of FAT PIG sees Robs character falling in love with a Jolly FAT Bird (so many rules broken there) only to find that his so called friends mock him viscously.

==>> Spoiler Alert: In the end this week-spirited man crumples under the intense peer pressure, ditching his heavyweight beauty and choosing shallow friendship over love. What a guy.

Granted the show is a comedy which kind totally goes against the point of this post, but I had to mention it because stylistically this ultra-modern play is worlds apart from Peep Show. Although for a Peep Show Fanboy like myself, I found it hard not to burst out in fits of ecstatic giggles every time Rob Mitchell said a word or moved one of those comedic muscles. The more sensible members of the audience all laughed in the right places and gave rapturous applause at the end.

(For all you BT openworld fans the play also features Kris Marshall fresh from his middle weight title defence against a moving car.)

I loved this play and went twice, but to be perfectly honest with you Rob is right in my bad books at the moment because the night after I went to see him in the play I also chanced upon him in my local prêt a manager and he did not even say hello or raise an eyebrow. Even though I was sitting right there in the audience of 400 the very night before. What a bloody liberty!

Case Study 2 – Catherine Tate in Under the Blue Sky

The second comedy giant to dip her beautiful feet into the waters of theatrical glory is the flaming haired Catherine Tate, who incidentally I could never marry being of flaming-haired persuasion myself. You know what they say, “Two flaming heads does not a marriage make.” (It’s OK Cath I’m sure you’ll find someone.)

Personally I have never been sucked into the latest Dr Who craze as I don’t have any children that I need to give nightmares to, so my only knowledge of Catherine’s work is the few times I have seen her TV show and the card I got for my last birthday which screeched “am I bovvered” at quite a decibel whenever you so much as breathed on its little offensive flap.

I have to admit (although it pains on some deep seated, jealous and resenting level) that this an astonishingly brilliant production, the Tate woman is surrounded by a fantastic cast, including Francesca Annis, Nigel Lindsay and Chris O’Dowd, in this blood curdling, booze-filled insight into the life of teachers.

I knew the educators were hiding something during all those miserable years I spent at my expensive stage school, look at me now Miss Woods I’m a ruddy blogging machine! But I think we’ve all got some strange stories about past teachers, like when my PE teacher dropped me as the captain of the football team after I refused to shower naked in front of him, for example. Or is that just me?

So, was I bovvered that I couldn’t stop thinking of Tate’s familiar funny faces for the first few minutes of the show? (Did you catch what I did there?)

The answer is a big fat smouldering NO. I soon forgot about that when I saw her buxom figure acting all over the place; I would go so far as to say she was even better than Miren in The Queen! I became 100% absorbed in her performance as the brassy Essex lass whom everyone wants (and has seemingly had) a piece of.

I’m now going to spend a few seconds educating the ignorant short-sighted masses. So if that does not apply to you then skip this little bit:

Actually Before creating her now famous comedic characters on her own show, Tate had a long and healthy stage career, and that shows in this deft and painfully observant play. UNDER THE BLUE SKY is a must-see for anyone who’s been to school… however I still enjoyed it!

Case Study 3 – David Walliams in No Mans Land

And so it comes to the third man – David Walliams as he takes to the stage at the beginning of October in Harold Pinter’s masterpiece NO MAN’S LAND. You might agree that this is a rather appropriate title for this properly A list celebrity human fish, stuck in unfamiliar surroundings with no cross-dressing in sight. How will his comedy value stay shut?

My only previous experience with David Walliams and Drama was a TV special on the BBC in which he played a weird upper class gent who takes an attractive and intelligent young girl into the basement of his big Victorian house and then proceeds to tell her a whole bunch of nauseating and vicious tales about the British establishment for his own amusement. His literally bathed with pleasure in her fear. That particular piece of melodrama was the fourth and final part of a series that I mostly missed so I must admit that it flew over my head like speeding kestrel.

The Nobel Prize-winning Pinter is known for his dramatic pauses. And I can’t help but think that when those moments arrive Walliams will break the silence with a demented croaking noise or an impression of a vomiting old tart. But I must remember to learn from my experience of watching UNDER THE BLUE SKY. Comedians can do serious… and now I’m actually buzzing with excitement as to what Walliams will wow us with. Try and say that after a pint of G n T.

For a start, he already has several things working in his favour. He has a powerful voice, excellent presence and, like most top comedians, enviably perfect timing. Plus he will be surrounded by what will be one of the strongest casts in the West End, including Michael Gambon (Professor Albus Dumbledore in four of the Harry Potter films) and David Bradley (Argus Filch in all of the Harry Potter films. Oh you know how I feel about that marvellous Potter boy) – they’re sure to help him create some stage magic for NO MAN’S LAND at the Duke of York’s Theatre after UNDER THE BLUE SKY has finished.

This Pinter-penned script should keep his comedy Walliams well under control. NO MAN’S LAND will be a real test for Walliams – but in all seriousness I think he’ll…….. RISE TO THE CHALLENGE as the actor said to the bishop, Ooo matron!

London Plays: Click here to for Tickets

But when these quality pieces of televisual entertainment reach climax then go to sleep, our lives seem a little less worth living and a burning feeling begins in the stomach then moves to the forefinger (something like hunger but not quite starvation). Who or what can fill this cavernous void that’s been etched into my blackened heart?

After the first genius packed series of Britain’s Got Talent I had this rather long thought that may equally be described as a musing: “That was the high point in seventy years of television, and unless Jeremy Beadle faked his own death in some sick publicity stunt and is about to return with a new show called Beadles Greatest Gag then we will never reach those heady heights again”.

The winner of the first Britain’s Got Talent was the rather fun Paul Potts who would waddle onto the stage and sing a version of Nessun Dorma that was about 80% as good as Pavarotti. Called me old fashioned but if your only 80% as good as the best then you’re not a worthy of ‘mantel taking’ and should shut up. Sorry Paul.

My personal favourite from the first epic series was the little girl who sang Somewhere over the Rainbow through blighted teeth. I could have researched her name but as you will know this blog is not based on mere facts alone!

The most recent series saw the demonic Simon Cowell flexing his sadistic muscle and hair all over the nation, covering us all in cutting puss filled words like some demented real world Voldemort. He was once again accompanied on his mission of evilness and tears but his pair of trusty death eaters; Piers “Why am I famous?” Morgan and Samantha Holden, the temptress who toyed with the emotions of our beloved national treasure Sir Les Denis only to cast him off like a dead barnacle when she had sucked the much needed publicity from his shrived and gangrenous corpse. (Allegedly)

But this year Simon “Voldemort” Cowell came up against George “Harry Potter” Sampson, his deadliest adversary to date who waved his mystical dance based wand over the nation and cast magic spells with rain and shoes. (Just to let you know I’m going to stop using this NAME>HARRY POTTER NAME>SURNAME thing right now as I think it’s becoming increasingly tired.)

The public went crazy for tiny little George Sampson and his rather large and rather unruly extended family, feeling that although they did not appear to be totally couth; their hearts where in the right places and they and supported ‘their boy’.

In street Hoody boy talk – George Sampson busted out some bad ass Singing’ In The Rain flex that made everyone else look like pussy hose!

The reason for my rather shameful act of defiance against the beautiful English language is the fact that after the furore had died down George plus family prepared to rejoin the real world, but then a rather amazing thing happen. The producers of the hit West End show “INTO THE HOODS” had a brain wave that went a little something like this.

George Sampson + Into the Hoods = Even better Into The Hoods

Lawyers where soon consulted and contracts signed, meaning that Mr Sampson will be joining the cast of INTO THE HOODS for the final four weeks of the show’s run from August 4th to August 30th. He will play one of the children who gets lost in the ‘hoods’ in this hip-hop re-working of Stephen Sondheim’s magical musical Into The Woods.

On their dance-driven, move-making mission, the wandering youths come across a host of fun and funky footwork geniuses, including Spinderella, Lil Red and Rap-on-Zel, amongst others…

So, is Sampson ‘Bad Boy’ enough for ZooNation’s INTO THE HOODS? Only time and the amazing YouTube clips will tell.

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Into The Hoods Tickets Click Here to Buy

It feels great to be jabbing at these little keys talking to you for the first time and I would Appreciate / Encourage / Demand with a stick that you feed back on anything we deliver in the following posts. Even if you think I’m being an old trollop!

So what can you expect from this blog?

After many all-night brainstorming sessions and piles of chocolate-covered coffee beans eaten in the vain attempt to stay alert and virile, we have decided to focus the offerings here around the following interesting and alluring parameters:

1. You will hear from us twice a week in two sexy posts (Subscribe below)
2. The ingenious posts will cover theatre news, cast interviews, first night gossip and London Theatre listings across the West End; you will also be first to hear about our famous special offers, Ticket giveaways and anything else we can think of that’s tenuously connected to theatre.
3. The goal of each and every post will be to eclipse Dickens and Shakespeare in literary genius.
4. The question I will ask myself upon opening my little eyes to the first light of morning will be “How can I be the Barack Obama of the London Theatre universe today?”

Why should you listen to me?

At first glance I look like a rather normal, yet dashing city gent who is endlessly sprinting on the souped-up treadmill of life, devoted to my quest of reaching the heady heights of personal success and financial dominance in London’s rat race. But when you dig a little further into my dark and shady past you’ll find a theatrical heart beating inside me to rival the likes of Olivier or Will Smith!

The candle of performance was first lighted in my heart at the age of five when I was enrolled in a rather decrepit and degenerating stage school. Once installed in this marvellous seat of theatre-based learning I honed my singing and dancing skills until I was like a little SAS warrior baying for bloody battle with casting directors who dared stand in my way.

My first success came in The Bill where I delivered the now legendary line “I want the car” then progressing to the heartbreaking NSPCC ads where I had to look as sad a possible for the photographer who told me to think hard about my dead dog.

But all these bit parts and one liners where just the prelude to my first big success which came 1990 at the Prince of Wales Theatre where you may have seen Mamma Mia! recently, as I beat the competition into cowering submission and won the part of Little Jake in a glittering production of ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ staring Kim Creswell.

To be honest I was only eight at the time so it all seems a bit of a blur now, but I remember that I was first cast as understudy…………….ME AN UNDERSTUDY! But then joy of joys the other boy got seriously ill and I was trust into the lead child role. (There has never been any evidence to prove that I put anything in his Cherry Coke.)

Unfortunately the public where not as enthusiastic about the production as I was and the show was cut short, shattering my tiny heart into a million pieces and showing me the more cut throat side of the West End in which cute little ginger children can be cast aside like plague-ridden rats.

I spent the next couple of years languishing out in the acting cold, ‘resting’, while I set my mind to educational prowess. After passing my SATS and furnished with all the education I would ever need, I decided It was once again time to jump into the saddle of rejection and get back out there to audition my head off.

*Embarrassing Childhood Picture Alert*

So it was that one sunny Monday morning in 1994 I found myself auditioning for Les Miserables and getting the part!

Yes I was once more thrust into childhood stardom in this three-month run at the Palace Theatre, singing and dancing in front of 2000 a night as the little urchin Gavroche. It was a strange and challenging time in which my Nan would be left penniless after spending her life savings of multiple tickets and my chaperon would have an affair with the then Jean Valjean. (Bernie was a hard woman who said she liked smoking and did not care that her constant fireworks where seriously affecting my vocal performance. The nineties were brutal man!)

The problem with ‘Les Mis’ was the fact they would grant me £20.00 everyday to go out and gorge myself before the show, which meant that with my then limited dietary palette I would head straight for Mc Donald’s quickly consume four burgers and two portions of fries. After a few weeks the waiflike Gavroche became a fat little prince who would nearly cripple the jobbing actor given the unenviable task of carrying me during a rousing Chorus of “Do you hear the people sing singing the songs of angry men.”

After this mind-bending experience in Les Miserables I got a personal trainer to shed those extra Mc Doe pounds and decided to hang up my French floppy cap and retire at the top. For a few years I lived a life of excess and debauchery in London’s music business and now find myself back in the theatre game, but this time behind the scenes talking to you. Which is Swell!

The End of the Beginning

That’s quite enough about me for one day, I feel slightly used!

Anyway I’m not sure if any of this really qualifies me to talk to you about London Theatre but all I know is that when I was offered to role of “Mouth Piece to the West End” I jumped at the chance to inhabit my spiritual home, enthusiastically taking the amulet of Theatre truth and holding it firmly in my grasp. (As you’ve probably guessed I gave myself the “Mouth Piece” title but I’m sure it will soon stick.) I also get to see most of the new shows that pass through the West End so should be able to cover the bases for you.

But the proof of the pudding is in the eating as they say, so I urge you to come back here and eat some more of my delicious, hot and creamy pudding over the coming weeks, to see what takes your fancy.

So until the next exciting instalment, “Keep it real man, Keep it theatre” - Better ‘non cheesy’ catch phrase required, please offer suggestions.

Ben

London Theatre Tickets

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It all started like this

Alan Dale, who played the iconic Jim Robinson when Neighbours used to get 19 million viewers came into DiscountTheatre.com HQ to give us all Swedish chocolates and have his pictures taken. This was all to promote the fact that he has just taken to role of King Arthur in Spamalot!

It seems that since his commanding performance alongside Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan in everyone’s favourite Aussie soap, he’s been in the process of shooting to Hollywood stardom making appearances in many hit shows like The OC, Ugly Betty and 24. (He’s a real Hollywood big shot and it’s doing wonderful things for Spamalot Sales.)

Anyway there I am tapping away at my computer when a hush falls over the office and I realise that his arrival is imminent. I could not quite see him at first as my view was blocked by a filing cabinet but I could hear wild shrieks of “G’day Mate!” and “Bonza!”.

A chance like this does not come often in ones short life so it was now my mission to shake the mans hand. I stood up and made for the ruckus, my heart beating and temperature rising, there was not much time until curtain up so I knew I had to hurry.

Then suddenly there he was, standing in front of me. The man who became like my father in the 1980’s.

As I expected he has a handshake like a beast, and from that point on it’s all a bit of a blur. There where cameras and laughing and stories and well the outcome of it all was this picture which I will cherish for my life.

He had his big strong Australian arm around me and I’m not ashamed to say I liked it very much!

Anyway what does all this mean?

Well it means that Spamalot is still one of the best shows in the West End and even though my good friend Alan Dale has now moved onto pastures new his replacement is the wonderful Sanjeev Bhaskar from TV’s The Kumars at No. 42 and Goodness Gracious Me!

Spamalot Tickets