It’s been a busy old day today for London theatre news, so we’ve got everything you need to know all in one place! From casting announcements to sneak peeks, here’s everything that’s gone on in the world of London theatre today:
Tickets for Blithe Spirit at the Duke of York’s Theatre go on sale today. The production of Noël Coward’s famous comedy starring Jennifer Saunders transfers to London from Theatre Royal Bath following a critically acclaimed run. Also starring Geoffrey Streatfield (Spooks, The Thick of It) and Lisa Dillon (Cranford).
In a hilarious story of the occult-gone-wrong, Blithe Spirit tells the story of a couple haunted by a previous relationship – quite literally. When novelist Charles Condomine is looking for material on his new mystery, he invites eccentric medium Madame Acarti to his home to perform for a party of his friends. When his dead first wife starts appearing to only him, all hell breaks loose.
Good news for Waitress fans, as the musical has announced it’ll be serving up slices of musical pie at the Adelphi for even longer. Booking has been extended until 28 March 2020, and tickets are now on sale for the new dates.
This is the fourth time the hit musical has extended its run, which currently stars Lucie Jones as Jenna, Joe Sugg as Ogie, Laura Baldwin as Dawn, Marisha Wallace as Becky, Tamlyn Henderson as Earl, David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter and Andrew Boyer as Old Joe.
A Taste Of Honey will transfer to Trafalgar Studios in December for a limited run following it’s UK tour. The taboo-breaking play was written in the 1950s by Shelagh Delaney, who was only 19 at the time.
Produced by the National Theatre, the play is set in post-war Salford. It follows teenager Jo’s turbulent home life after her mother Helen runs off with a car salesman. Jo takes up with a sailor who promises to marry her before he goes out to sea. Art student Geoffrey moves in to the family home and becomes a sort of surrogate parent until he calls Helen home and the strange set-up all unravels.
The cast includes Jodie Prenger (Oliver!, Shirley Valentine, Annie, Abigail’s Party UK tour) as Helen, Gemma Dobson as Jo, Durone Stokes as Jimmie, Stuart Thompson as Geoffrey, and Tom Varey as Peter. They are joined by understudies Liam Bessell, Katy Clayton, and Claire Eden.
A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg has released a sneak peek of the upcoming production at Trafalgar Studios. This new production of Peter Nichols’ dark comedy stars Clare Skinner, Toby Stephens and Patricia Hodge as well as the recently announced Storme Toolis, the first disabled actor to be cast in the role of Joe Egg on the West End. Read more about her casting here.
The production reunites Toby and Claire for the first time since they appeared together, 18 years ago, in the award-winning BBC drama Perfect Strangers. Tickets are on sale now.
Hosts were announced this afternoon for West End Bares: Stripped. Graham Norton, Tom Allen and Michelle Visage will co-host a spectacular show at Troxy on 13 October.
Graham Norton, who hosted the show between 2015 and 2017, said:
“I’m thrilled to be back co-hosting West End Bares with Tom and Michelle and I can’t believe we’re now celebrating the show’s 10th Birthday. It’s always a brilliant night and this year promises to be better than ever!”
Some more production photos for you from Blood Wedding, currently running at the Young Vic. The dark tale of a promised bride and a broken promise is set in a rural village in 1932 Spain. This new adaption by Irish playwright Marina Carr of Federico García Lorca’s famous tragedy meditates on on the fate of an individual versus society.
Tickets are available through the Young Vic website.
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child has been extended until August 2020. The play opened with its new cast in summer this year, and follows the dangerous escapades of the next generation of Hogwarts students. Read more about it here.