February may be a shorter month, but Theatreland has never been busier with exciting announcements, new casts, and several fond farewells.
In fact, there’s been so much going on, you’ve probably missed some of the top news, so here’s everything you need to know about the West End this week.
On-sale announcement for Dear Evan Hansen
We’ve been waiting for some Dear Evan Hansen news ever since the West End run was initially announced, and now it’s been found!
Dear Evan Hansen tickets will go on sale from midday on Thursday 28 February 2019 for those who signed up for priority tickets. Missed out on the priority booking? Don’t worry, the general sale starts from 10am on Monday 8 April 2019
Dear Evan Hansen will begin previews at the Noël Coward Theatre on Tuesday 29 October, with its opening night on Tuesday 19 November 2019.
Carrie Hope Fletcher, Michael Ball & Alfie Boe return to Les Misérables
No, you aren’t dreaming a dream, these former Les Misérables cast members are coming back for a limited sixteen-week run.
Les Misérables – The All-Star Staged Concert, will be a different show to the one you may have seen at the Queen’s Theatre. In their new temporary home at the Gielgud Theatre, Les Misérables will become a fully-staged concert version.
Returning to his previous role as Jean Valjean is Alfie Boe, while Michael Ball will go from Alfie’s friend to 24601’s foe, in the role of Javert. Carrie, who’d previously played Eponine for over 900 performances (which earned her the title of the longest running Eponine in the show’s history), will now be playing the tear-jerking role of Fantine.
Matt Lucas will also be returning to the production in the role of Thénardier. Katy Secombe will play Madame Thénardier, and for three performances a week, Jean Valjean will be played by John Owen-Jones.
12 shows leaving the West End in February
Saying goodbye is never easy, especially in Theatreland. Over the next few weeks, the West End will lose moving dramas including Leave To Remain, sensational dancing productions like German Cornejo’s Tango Fire and star-studded casts like True West and Pinter Seven.
So check this list to make sure you don’t miss any of these unmissable shows!
First look at 9 To 5 The Musical production photos
Working 9 to 5 may not be a way to make a living, but these newly released production photos of the brand-new musical are certainly making us drink our cup of ambition!
The show features Natalie McQueen, Amber Davies, Bonnie Langford and Brian Conley – as well as Caroline Sheen who’s temporarily taking over Louise’s role while she recovers.
We certainly can’t wait to clock into this show!
Watch the Waitress Lulu auditions
The wait for Waitress is FINALLY over, as the tasty musical opens this week.
We went behind the scenes of the audition process for the youngest member of the musical, Lulu. Keep an eye out for Fifi and Arabella who eventually went on to land the role!
And that isn’t all! Waitress has also announced it’s extending the booking period for tickets till 19 October 2019! Tasty news indeed!
Cassidy Janson, Oliver Tompsett, and more – & Juliet cast announced!
We love seeing a new musical arrive in the West End, so we were incredibly excited when & Juliet was initially announced. A musical about what would have happened if Juliet (from Romeo and Juliet) hadn’t picked up the dagger and had instead gone out and lived her best life.
And now a stellar cast has been announced, who’ll be joining Miriam-Teak Lee (Hamilton) who will be playing Juliet. The company is made up of several acclaimed West End stars from recent years, including Cassidy Janson (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Oliver Tompsett (Kinky Boots), Arun Blair-Mangat (Angels In America), Melanie La Barrie (Wicked), Jordan Luke Gage (Bat Out Of Hell) and Tim Mahendran (Spring Awakening).
Tickets for & Juliet will go on general sale on Monday 11 February.
Audience reaction to Home, I’m Darling
This week saw the opening night of the critically-acclaimed comedy, Home, I’m Darling.
A successful transfer following a sold-out run at the National Theatre, the story is all about Judy, a 1950s housewife, as she and her husband, Johnny try to save their marriage. But their lifestyle choices and money troubles certainly aren’t helping…
But what did the audience think of it on opening night?
Arthur Miller plays you can see in London this year
If you’re a fan of the successful playwright Arthur Miller, then you need to get yourself down to Theatreland pronto, as there’s not one, not two, not three, but FOUR Arthur Miller plays being performed in the West End this year!
Video: Germán Cornejo on the incredible Tango Fire
Think you can dance? Well, you probably can’t bust a move like renowned choreographer Germán Cornejo.
We spoke to him about his show Tango Fire, currently playing in the West End. The production takes you through time and showcases the various styles and moods of Argentine tango over the years.
Donmar Warehouse play Sweat makes West End transfer
Sweat has been critically acclaimed and become a breakout success in London theatre since it first opened. And it seems like audiences can’t get enough, as the Donmar Warehouse‘s production of Sweat will play a limited 6-week run in the West End this summer. Sweat’s new home will be the Gielgud Theatre from Friday 7 June until Saturday 20 July.
Martha Plimpton will reprise her role as Tracey in the production, with further casting due to be announced.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie new production shots
With a new Jamie New, and a new cast to talk about him, it’s only right that we’re treated to some production shots of the new New family!
Check out Layton Williams (Billy Elliot, Bad Education) in the title role of Jamie, Shane Richie (EastEnders) as Hugo/Loco Channelle, Hayley Tamaddon (Emmerdale, Coronation Street) as Miss Hedge, Sejal Keshwala as Ray and Sabrina Sandhu as Pritti Pasha.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical releases first single
And we leave you on a song, as the cast of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical have released a single off their upcoming cast album.
Here’s the cast of the show singing the absolute hum-dinger of a tune, River Deep – Mountain High…