Nimax, which owns six of London’s West End theatres, has announced that it will start opening up all of them, beginning with the Apollo on 22 October. The announcement came on the six-month … [Read more...] about Six of London’s West End theatres to reopen
West End
David Ashley and the secrets of a pantomime dame
I am a three-bun wig, brown-booted, very large, maternal bosom sort of a gal. David Ashley is talking about his pantomime alter ego which has inhabited him over the Christmas period for 12 … [Read more...] about David Ashley and the secrets of a pantomime dame
West End star Louise Plowright needs life-saving help from you, now.
First, this is what you need to know: Louise Plowright, a fantastically talented singer and actress who has appeared in many West End musicals, has pancreatic cancer which isn't treatable in the … [Read more...] about West End star Louise Plowright needs life-saving help from you, now.
Priscilla the musical in Milan reveals the heart beneath the glitter
After having seen the musical Priscilla, I’ve decided to come out: I’m a Sondheim fan. Yes, Into the Woods, Sweeney, the lot… even Merrily We Roll Along and The Frogs. Every cd, the live recordings, … [Read more...] about Priscilla the musical in Milan reveals the heart beneath the glitter
Audrey Hepburn to be celebrated in photos in London
65 years ago, Audrey Hepburn was a struggling actress and dancer in London, working occasionally in the renowned West End night club Ciro’s. That space is now home to the National Portrait Gallery’s … [Read more...] about Audrey Hepburn to be celebrated in photos in London
Milan’s Dirty Dancing glimmers but doesn’t shine
At the risk of sounding petty, this was the first time that I have been given restricted view tickets to review a performance, so I'll review the three-quarters of Milan's Dirty Dancing that I saw. … [Read more...] about Milan’s Dirty Dancing glimmers but doesn’t shine
David Howard, much loved ballet teacher ‘to the stars’, dies at 76
Ballet master David Howard, affectionately known in the media as "Teacher of Stars", has died at 76. Howard trained at what is now the Arts Educational) School and the Royal Academy of Dance, … [Read more...] about David Howard, much loved ballet teacher ‘to the stars’, dies at 76
Alessandra Ferri’s classy comeback
There are comebacks and comebacks: the rather sad, end-of-the-pier affair, because money's run out and there's alimony to pay; the small cameo 'because I miss the applause'; and Alessandra … [Read more...] about Alessandra Ferri’s classy comeback
Gary Avis answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start dancing? My first steps were taken in the summer of 1981, at the tender age of 11. My starting point was Disco Dancing lessons at Tom & Pat Lait's Ballroom classes, … [Read more...] about Gary Avis answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Betty Buckley to star in Jerry Herman’s “Dear World” in the West End
Everyone who knows and loves the original cast recording of Jerry Herman's musical Dear World will be delighted to have the opportunity to see it when it comes to the London stage next … [Read more...] about Betty Buckley to star in Jerry Herman’s “Dear World” in the West End
Stage Entertainment musicals: bringing excellence to Italy
Italy has long been plagued with a lazy approach to putting on musicals. Looked on as easy money makers, the artistic and financial input is often skipped over for quicker gains. Mistake! Audiences … [Read more...] about Stage Entertainment musicals: bringing excellence to Italy
Critics round-up: Peter Schaufuss’ Tchaikovsky Trilogy
This promises to be the most fun critics round-up yet. Rarely have reviews been so unanimously foul. Being that there was so little to save, the critics left their stars in the drawer, and polished … [Read more...] about Critics round-up: Peter Schaufuss’ Tchaikovsky Trilogy
Adam Cooper talks to the Sunday Times about ballet, Michael Jackson, Vaughan Williams and the Kirov
In today's Sunday Times, Adam Cooper - ex-Royal Ballet dancer, and currently tip-tapping in the West End - talked about the places where he and his elder brother, Simon, grew up. Until their teens … [Read more...] about Adam Cooper talks to the Sunday Times about ballet, Michael Jackson, Vaughan Williams and the Kirov
Taste of Honey playwright, Shelagh Delaney, dies at 71
Shelagh Delaney, best known for A Taste of Honey, has died at the age of 71. Delaney was 19 when A Taste of Honey, about the friendship between a young pregnant woman and a gay artist, premièred in … [Read more...] about Taste of Honey playwright, Shelagh Delaney, dies at 71
Tyne Daly to play Maria Callas in the West End
Tyne Daly will reprise her Broadway role in Terrence McNally's Master Class when it arrives in London's West End. The Cagney & Lacey star will play opera singer Maria Callas in the play at the … [Read more...] about Tyne Daly to play Maria Callas in the West End
75 year-old newly-wed sues opera company after the “painful” performance which ruined her wedding
A newlywed is suing an opera company she hired to sing at her wedding reception after claiming their "painful" performance ruined the day and even made one guest feel sick. Virginia Routh, a … [Read more...] about 75 year-old newly-wed sues opera company after the “painful” performance which ruined her wedding
Rowan Atkinson talks about cars, tears, stammers and straight acting
On the eve of the release of a new Johnny English film, Johnny English Reborn, Rowan Atkinson talked to The Times' Ginny Dougary. On driving fast cars"I always think the lap of a track is very … [Read more...] about Rowan Atkinson talks about cars, tears, stammers and straight acting
Australian stage version of Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies is filmed for DVD
In Melbourne, Australia, Universal Pictures is halfway through filming Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera sequel, Love Never Dies. Lloyd Webber, who wrote the sequel to The Phantom of the … [Read more...] about Australian stage version of Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies is filmed for DVD
Noel Coward telegram to Agatha Christie found in bureau
A telegram sent by Noel Coward to Agatha Christie has been discovered inside an old bureau while it was being restored in Gloucestershire. The message, dating back to 1957, congratulates her on The … [Read more...] about Noel Coward telegram to Agatha Christie found in bureau
Monty Python and the Holy Grail producer wants more of the Spamalot pension plan
Spamalot was described on its posters as “lovingly ripped off from Monty Python and the Holy Grail”. Now the producer of that 1975 film is claiming he has been ripped off by the musical. It is no … [Read more...] about Monty Python and the Holy Grail producer wants more of the Spamalot pension plan
Anna Massey dies at 73: “I don’t want any dramas in my life. If I’m in a drama, I want to be paid for it.”
Unfailingly subtle, sensitive and intelligent, Anna Massey was, as one admiring critic put it, “one of those splendid British actresses whom one is tempted to call Dame before their time”. Often … [Read more...] about Anna Massey dies at 73: “I don’t want any dramas in my life. If I’m in a drama, I want to be paid for it.”
Michael Jackson wanted to play Phantom in a film version
Andrew Lloyd Webber told CNN's Piers Morgan that Michael Jackson wanted to play the title role in the film version of "The Phantom of the Opera." According to Webber, the King of Pop came to see the … [Read more...] about Michael Jackson wanted to play Phantom in a film version
Susan Boyle The Musical coming to the stage
Shrek the Musical is already up and running but get ready for another all-singing West End show about an oversize creature the public love. Subo The Musical, based on the life of Susan Boyle, has been … [Read more...] about Susan Boyle The Musical coming to the stage
Critics round-up: Shrek The Musical opens in London
Shrek The Musical has opened in London's West End and seems to have generally won over the nation's critics. It's New York run wasn't a runaway success and producers must have been a little nervous on … [Read more...] about Critics round-up: Shrek The Musical opens in London
10% first quarter dip in West End audiences
West End box office returns were down 6% in the first quarter of this year, according to figures released by the Society of London Theatre, while attendances were down 10%. Figures for this year’s … [Read more...] about 10% first quarter dip in West End audiences
‘Latest’ Stephen Sondheim musical to play at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory in June
Stephen Sondheim’s ‘new’ musical, ‘Road Show’ is the third collaboration between Sondheim and book writer John Weidman (Pacific Overtures and Assassins). But 'Road Show' is yet another version of … [Read more...] about ‘Latest’ Stephen Sondheim musical to play at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory in June
Mormon musical’s humour more English than American
Broadway’s hottest musical, which was garlanded last week with a pack-leading 14 Tony nominations, is to visit the West End. The Book of Mormon, written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of … [Read more...] about Mormon musical’s humour more English than American
Shrek’s been tweaked and pruned since Broadway – can he woo the West End?
As Shrek the Musical gets ready for its West End opening, The Times talks to Bill Damaschke, Jeffrey Katzenberg's right-hand man, about the idea, the realisation, and the flop on Broadway. The idea … [Read more...] about Shrek’s been tweaked and pruned since Broadway – can he woo the West End?
You don’t expect the pastry chef to make an exquisite consommé, so why should the film auteur be capable of directing opera?
Michael White, voted Britain’s least boring music critic by listeners of Classic FM, comments in the Telegraph about the rush of first-time directors at the ENO. It’s no bad thing to be an amateur: … [Read more...] about You don’t expect the pastry chef to make an exquisite consommé, so why should the film auteur be capable of directing opera?
Phantom of the Opera to get a new production for international touring
Cameron Mackintosh intends to present a newly imagined international production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, to première in England perhaps as early as 2012, says … [Read more...] about Phantom of the Opera to get a new production for international touring
