The weather might be a washout this week, but it’s been another scorcher in Theatreland when it comes to news. From production shots of brand new shows to first looks at rehearsals, cinema screenings to musical singalongs, it’s all been happening. If you missed the theatre buzz this week, don’t fear. You can catch up with the biggest news right here right now.
First look: Little Shop Of Horrors
With the weather being as unpredictable as it is right now, it’s a wonder that anything can grow at all. But over at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, there’s a mean, green, man-eating machine (well, plant) taking root. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s zany B-movie musical Little Shop Of Horrors has rarely looked so… alive!
Get an eyeful of the beautiful show’s designs with these production shots, here.
First look: Alexandra Burke as Roxie Hart
Be still out beating Hart! Actually, scrap that. You dance like the wind, Roxie! Last month it was announced that The X Factor and musical theatre star, Alexandra Burke will join Martin Kemp in Chicago.
See her looking killer as the murdering showgirl with this sneak peek.
National Theatre to screen Follies at a free outdoor festival
The National Theatre’s production of Follies, winner of this year’s Best Musical Revival Olivier Award, is being screened for free at the River Stage Festival this weekend. The National Theatre Live recording of the show, which stars the likes of Imelda Staunton, Tracie Bennett and Janie Dee (all in Olivier nominated roles) alongside Philip Quast and Peter Forbes, will be screened from 7pm on Sunday 12 August to mark the end of the Festival.
Find out more, here.
Bat Out Of Hell announces singalong performances
Have to stop yourself from singing along while watching a musical on the reg? Same. The folks over at Bat Out Of Hell have acknowledged this age-old issue by introducing singalong performances.
Find out more, here.
First look: first day of rehearsals for Company
Company has one of the most highly-anticipated casts in the West End. So seeing the likes of Patti LuPone, Rosalie Craig and Mel Giedroyc come together for the first day of rehearsals is pretty epic.
Check out the moment they all came together and start getting exciting for the show, here.
Alan Bennett’s Allelujah! to be shown in cinemas
Alan Bennett’s new play Allelujah! blew critics away when it opened at Bridge Theatre earlier this summer. Now, his first work for six years will be available for the nation to view thanks to National Theatre Live screenings taking place on 1 November.
Find out more, here.
Celebrating 5000 shows, here’s why we love Wicked!
This week, Wicked celebrated another incredible achievement as the show played its 5000th performance at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Already the 14th longest-running West End musical, the brilliant production will celebrate its 12th birthday next month. We shared why we – and you – love this incredible show so much.
Find out more, here.
Masterclass to showcase new playwrights in West End
Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust (Masterclass) has selected the winning scripts from their ‘Pitch Your Play’ scheme, offering free tickets to staged readings of them at the venue.
Find out more, here.
Theatre spot test: how many songs from Phantom can you name?
With the brilliant Tim Howar landing the famous titular role last week, we brought back another classic Theatre Spot Test to tease you loyal fan-toms (see what we did there?). How many songs can you get right?
Take the Spot Test, here.
Which West End show should you holiday to?
You need to get away. But where to go? Yes, you could go to Bali or Norway or somewhere that’s always been on your bucket list. But what about the places you’ve never considered? What about all of those fabulous fictional lands in West End musicals?
Take our quiz and find your unsuspecting dream holiday location, here.
There was plenty of other news this week. To see what else you missed, click here.