Jonathan Kent’s hugely acclaimed production of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton has extended its run to 28 November following last week’s triumphant opening night.
The rarely performed piece, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, stars the Olivier Award-winning Staunton in the story of the world’s most famous pushy stage mother, Momma Rose. The amazing tale recounts her and her two daughters’ journey across America in search of success with their homespun vaudeville act.
The show, which also stars Lara Pulver, Gemma Sutton and Peter Davison, is the latest in a run of hits to transfer from Chichester Festival Theatre. Following its five star reviews at the regional heavyweight theatre, the production burst into the West End last week when it received rave reviews and standing ovations.
Writing about its London opening, Official London Theatre’s Kate Stanbury called Staunton “astonishing” in the role and praised the production, saying: “You will cry with laughter at Momma Rose’s on-stage shenanigans as she constantly tries to improve her vaudeville act, cry with heartbreak as she’s left alone with little to show for the sacrifices she’s made for her daughters and cry with joy as she’s reunited with Louise for the musical’s final touching scene.”
Gypsy had previously been booking to 18 July. The extension offers theatregoers more than four extra months to now catch the show at the Savoy Theatre.